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Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Chances

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

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.

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

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

The tension was then calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Injury Worry for Hosts

The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.

This defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.

The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.