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The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances

Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.

Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity

The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Worry for Morocco

The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.

The defender had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.

This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.