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Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Chances

The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.

“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Magic

Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity

The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.

This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.

The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.