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The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Beginning and Missed Chances

Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.

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

“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Hosts

The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.

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

This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.