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The Morocco overcame a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a less than dominant display, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances

The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress.

The defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.

This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.