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The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances

The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.

“The opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.

Injury Concern for Hosts

The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.

This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.

This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.