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The Morocco overcame a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances

The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.

“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.

Goalkeeper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Morocco

The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.

The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.

The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.