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Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances

Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance

Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent eventually told.

Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.

The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.

The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.