AFCON 2025: Morocco open account with win over stubborn Comoros
Hosts Morocco opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-earned 2-0 win over a disciplined Comoros side in a rain-soaked opener in Rabat, delivering three points but little margin for error.
Despite heavy pre-match expectations, the Atlas Lions were made to work for a result that only truly settled late on.
Missed chances and early frustration
Morocco had the perfect opportunity to settle nerves inside 11 minutes when Iyad Mohamed felled Brahim Diaz in the box.
However, Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty was smartly repelled by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, whose left knee denied the hosts an early breakthrough.
Comoros then dropped deep, clogged central areas and disrupted Morocco’s rhythm, frustrating the home side for much of the first half.
Diaz breaks the resistance
The breakthrough finally arrived 10 minutes after the restart. Diaz, left unmarked near the penalty spot, calmly converted Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross to ignite the 60,180 crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The goal opened the contest. Comoros threatened briefly through Rafiki Said, who was denied by Yassine Bounou, while Pandor again impressed by pushing away a fierce Mazraoui effort.
El Kaabi seals it amid setbacks
Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi wrapped up the win in spectacular fashion, scoring with an overhead kick 15 minutes from time to give Morocco breathing space and ensure a winning start.
Walid Regragui’s side achieved the result despite notable absences and setbacks. Captain Achraf Hakimi remained on the bench as he continues recovery from an ankle injury, while centre-back Romain Saiss was forced off early.
Winning start, tougher tests ahead
The victory extends Morocco’s world-record winning streak to 19 matches, but the performance underlined areas for improvement ahead of a sterner Group A test against Mali on Friday.
Elsewhere, Group A continues on Monday with Mali facing Zambia, while Egypt and South Africa open their campaigns in Group B.
