Hosts Morocco made a confident start to their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a 2–0 victory over Comoros in the tournament’s opening match on Sunday in Rabat.
After a frustrating first half, second-half goals from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi ensured the Atlas Lions claimed all three points at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, delighting a packed home crowd.
Morocco dominated early proceedings and were handed a golden chance to take the lead in the 10th minute when Diaz was brought down inside the penalty area. However, Soufiane Rahimi’s spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, allowing the underdogs to hold firm until the break.
The breakthrough finally came 10 minutes into the second half. With captain Achraf Hakimi rested on the bench due to injury concerns, Noussair Mazraoui started at right-back and played a key role, squaring the ball for Real Madrid midfielder Diaz to finish calmly from close range.
Comoros briefly threatened an equaliser when Rafiki Said found himself clean through on goal, but Morocco remained in control. The hosts sealed the win in spectacular fashion when substitute Ayoub El Kaabi produced a stunning overhead kick to convert Anass Salah-Eddine’s cross and make it 2–0.
The victory extended Morocco’s remarkable winning run to 19 consecutive matches, further underlining their status as Africa’s highest-ranked team, currently 11th in the world.
The match was watched by 60,180 fans, with Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and FIFA President Gianni Infantino among the dignitaries in attendance. Despite an early injury to defender Romain Saiss, Morocco managed the game effectively to see out a comfortable win.
Walid Regragui’s side will now turn their attention to a tougher Group A clash against Mali on Friday, while Comoros face the challenge of bouncing back in their remaining fixtures.
AFCON 2025, the first edition to run across two calendar years, will conclude with the final in Rabat on January 18.
