Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The tension was then eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The three points was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
