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Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Start and Spurned Chances

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

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Magic

Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.

Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Late Chance

The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Hosts

The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.

This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.

This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.