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Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.

Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.

The defender had only returned to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.

The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.