AFCON 2025: Morocco beat Comoros 2–0 in Opening Match
Hosts Morocco began their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a 2–0 victory over Comoros, shaking off early nerves and difficult conditions to claim all three points at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Playing in heavy rain and under the weight of expectation, the Atlas Lions were made to work far harder than anticipated by a disciplined Comoros side ranked 108th in the world. However, second-half goals from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi ensured a winning start and top spot in Group A.
Missed Penalty and Early Setback
Morocco could have settled nerves inside the opening 15 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was brought down in the box by Iyad Mohamed. However, Soufiane Rahimi’s spot-kick was superbly saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, whose quick reflexes kept the score level.
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The hosts suffered another early blow shortly after when captain Romain Saïss was forced off injured, prompting Walid Regragui to introduce Jawad El Yamiq earlier than planned.
Despite dominating possession and registering several efforts on goal, Morocco struggled to break through a compact Comoros defence before the break, heading into halftime with frustration growing among the home crowd of over 60,000.
Diaz breaks the deadlock
Regragui reshaped his attack at halftime, introducing Abde Ezzalzouli and Ayoub El Kaabi, and the changes quickly paid off.
Ten minutes into the second half, Morocco finally found the breakthrough. Noussair Mazraoui delivered a low cross into the area, where Brahim Diaz arrived unmarked to calmly guide a right-footed finish past Pandor, sparking loud celebrations around the stadium.
The goal lifted Morocco’s tempo, and the game opened up as Comoros briefly threatened through Rafiki Said, who was denied by the legs of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
El Kaabi’s Moment of Brilliance
With Comoros beginning to tire, Morocco struck again in spectacular fashion. In the 75th minute, Ayoub El Kaabi produced a stunning overhead kick, meeting a loose ball inside the box and sending it into the net to seal the result.
The acrobatic finish ended any lingering doubts and underlined Morocco’s attacking depth, even in the absence of injured right-back Achraf Hakimi, who was limited to a place on the bench.
Winning Run Continues, Bigger Tests Ahead
The victory extended Morocco’s record-breaking winning streak to 19 consecutive matches, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favourites. However, the performance also highlighted areas for improvement ahead of tougher opposition.
Walid Regragui has made no secret of expectations, admitting before the tournament that anything short of lifting the trophy would be considered a failure, as Morocco chase a first AFCON title since 1976.
Their next test comes against Mali on Friday, a fixture expected to pose a far sterner challenge than the resilient Comoros side.
Group A Outlook
Morocco sit top of Group A after the opening matchday, while Comoros will look to bounce back when they face Zambia. The group also features Mali, ensuring a competitive battle for knockout qualification.
For now, the hosts have made the perfect start, navigating opening-night pressure and laying down an early marker in their quest for continental glory on home soil.
SportsLigue