Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
