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Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Start and Spurned Chances

The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.

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

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic 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 when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity

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

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, 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 lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.

The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.