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The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.

Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.

This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.

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