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Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the tournament'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 showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Chances

The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.

Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

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

This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.

The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.