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The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities

Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity

The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.

Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.

This centre-back had only returned to the international setup 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 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.