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The Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.

It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.

“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Magic

The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity

The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent in the end told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.

Injury Concern for Hosts

The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.

This defender had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.

The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.