Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
