The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
