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Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy start to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied 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 the national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.

“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.

This defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.

This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.