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The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

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

Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.

It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.

Every first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

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

Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The victory was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.

The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.

This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.