The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead 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. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress.
The defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
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