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Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities

Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.

Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Morocco

The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress.

This defender had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.

This result extends the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.