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The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a far from convincing display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities

The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.

The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

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

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.

This defender had only returned to the international setup last month after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.

This result extends the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.