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Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.

“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

The tension was then eased by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity

The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Hosts

The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.

The defender had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.

The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.