Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
