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Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Tense Beginning and Missed Chances

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

It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.

Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.

Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.

This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.

The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.