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The Morocco overcame a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Nervy Start and Spurned Chances

Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.

Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with 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 ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.

This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.

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