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The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities

Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

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 always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.

Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Late Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.

Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.

Injury Worry for Morocco

The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.

This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.

This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.