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Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities

The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

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

“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Magic

The tension was then calmed by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Injury Worry for Hosts

The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.

This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.

This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.