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Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a less than dominant display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances

The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.

Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance

The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.

Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.

This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.

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