Hosts Morocco launched their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a hard-fought victory over a stubborn Comoros side in a rain-soaked opener in Rabat, setting the tone for a tournament already brimming with tension and expectation.
The Atlas Lions, chasing a second continental crown, were made to work for every inch despite enjoying overwhelming home support at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Morocco missed an early chance to take control of the match in the 11th minute when Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, who denied the hosts with a sharp left-knee stop after Iyad Mohamed fouled Brahim Diaz in the box.
Comoros adopted a disciplined, compact approach that frustrated Morocco for long spells, soaking up pressure and limiting clear chances. The breakthrough finally came ten minutes into the second half when Diaz drifted unmarked into the penalty area and calmly converted a low cross from Noussair Mazraoui, sending the majority of the 60,180 fans into celebration.
The goal lifted the tempo of the game, with Comoros threatening an equaliser through Rafiki Said, only to be denied by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. At the other end, Pandor continued his impressive display, producing another fine save to keep out a fierce effort from Mazraoui.
With the match finely poised and 15 minutes remaining, substitute Ayoub El Kaabi delivered a moment of brilliance, firing in a stunning overhead kick that sealed the victory and confirmed Morocco’s status as one of the tournament favourites. The goal is already being tipped as a strong contender for goal of the tournament.
Morocco achieved the win without captain Achraf Hakimi, who was limited to a place on the bench due to an ankle injury picked up while playing for Paris Saint-Germain. The hosts were also dealt an early blow when experienced defender Romain Saiss was forced off through injury.
The result extended Morocco’s remarkable winning run to 19 matches and reinforced the confidence surrounding Walid Regragui’s side, though a sterner test awaits against Mali on Friday evening.
Attention now turns to the rest of the tournament, with three more matches scheduled for today. West African opposition will clash with Zambia in Group A, while heavyweights Egypt and South Africa begin their Afcon 2025 campaigns in Group B.
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Morocco entered the tournament as Africa’s top-ranked side following their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and their on-field ambitions are backed by major investments in football infrastructure supported by King Mohammed VI. The opening ceremony, attended by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, underlined the nation’s commitment to football excellence.
As co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup and regular hosts of major African competitions, Morocco is firmly in the continental spotlight. For now, however, the focus remains on Afcon 2025, where the hosts have signalled their intent with a dramatic opening-night victory.
