By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
Morocco needed patience, precision, and a moment of brilliance to open their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 2–0 victory over Comoros in Rabat, as the tournament got underway on Sunday night.
The hosts, backed by a vocal home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, were made to work hard by an organised Comoros side that defended deep and frustrated the Atlas Lions for much of the contest.
An early opportunity to seize control slipped away in the 10th minute when Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Díaz was brought down in the box. Soufiane Rahimi’s effort from the spot, however, was denied by goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, whose quick reflexes kept Comoros level and boosted their confidence.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Morocco went into the break scoreless and were further unsettled by an injury to experienced defender Romain Saïss, who was forced off early in the match.
The breakthrough arrived shortly after the restart. With captain Achraf Hakimi rested due to injury concerns, stand-in right-back Noussair Mazraoui stepped up, delivering a low pass into the area for Díaz, who finished clinically to finally breach the Comoros defence.
Comoros briefly threatened a response, with Rafiki Said racing clear only to be denied, but Morocco soon regained control and sealed the result in spectacular fashion. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sent the home supporters into raptures with a stunning bicycle kick, converting a cross from Anass Salah-Eddine to make it 2–0.
The result not only secured three points but also extended Morocco’s remarkable winning streak to 19 consecutive matches, reinforcing their position as Africa’s highest-ranked national team.
The opening fixture drew a crowd of over 60,000, with Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and FIFA President Gianni Infantino among the distinguished guests.
Morocco now turn their attention to a more demanding Group A showdown against Mali on Friday, while Comoros will look to regroup ahead of their next outing.
AFCON 2025 continues on Monday with South Africa facing Angola, while Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, begin their quest for another continental title against Zimbabwe.
The tournament will climax in Rabat on January 18, marking the first AFCON to span two calendar years.
