Morocco Open AFCON 2025 With Hard-Fought Win Over Comoros

Tournament hosts Morocco began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 victory over Comoros, but were made to work far harder than expected in a tense opening match in Rabat.

Second-half goals from Brahim Diaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi eventually settled the contest on Sunday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, as the Atlas Lions shook off early nerves to secure all three points.

Despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites and sitting 97 places above Comoros in the FIFA world rankings, Morocco struggled to impose themselves early on and went into the interval goalless after squandering a penalty and dominating possession without penetration.

Missed Penalty and Early Frustration

Morocco had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 11th minute when Brahim Diaz was brought down by Iyad Mohamed, prompting the referee to award a soft penalty. However, Soufiane Rahimi failed to capitalise, striking his spot-kick straight down the middle and into the knee of Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, who watched the ball bounce safely away.

The hosts continued to control the ball but laboured against a disciplined Comoros side that defended deep and comfortably absorbed pressure amid heavy rain.

Breakthrough After the Interval

The breakthrough finally arrived 10 minutes into the second half. Full-back Noussair Mazraoui did brilliantly to prevent the ball from running out of play before squaring it into the box, where Diaz arrived to side-foot calmly past Pandor for a deserved opener.

Comoros briefly threatened an unlikely response moments later when Rafiki Said found space in the box, but his effort was directed straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou — their first meaningful chance of the match.

Any lingering tension was eased in the 74th minute when Ayoub El Kaabi, introduced just 10 minutes earlier, produced a spectacular bicycle kick to double Morocco’s advantage and put the result beyond doubt.

Hosts Extend Winning Run but Injury Worry Looms

El Kaabi’s goal ensured a flattering scoreline for the hosts, who could have added more as Pandor made several impressive saves late on to keep the margin respectable as Comoros visibly tired.

Morocco have now extended their record-breaking run of consecutive international victories to 19 matches, surpassing Spain’s previous mark of 15 set between 2008 and 2009.

However, there was concern for the home side after captain Romain Saiss was forced off in tears after just 18 minutes. The centre-back only returned to international action last month following ankle surgery and a year-long absence.

Regragui Reflects on Tough Start

“The opening match is always difficult, but we improved in the second half,” Morocco head coach Walid Regragui said after the match.

Group A action continues on Monday when Mali face Zambia in Casablanca. The second day of the month-long tournament also features Group B encounters, with Angola taking on South Africa in Marrakesh and Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, beginning their campaign against Zimbabwe in Agadir.