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Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.

Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.

This defender had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.

The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.