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The Morocco overcame a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances

Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

Every opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.

This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.

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