Hosts Morocco Open AFCON 2025 with Hard-Fought 2–0 Win Over Comoros
Hosts Morocco kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a 2–0 victory over Comoros in Rabat, demonstrating resilience after a nervy start. Despite dominating possession and an early penalty miss, Morocco broke through in the second half with goals from Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi, setting a positive tone for their title ambitions on home soil.
In the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, Morocco overcame early pressure and a frustrating first half to earn a 2–0 victory against Comoros. The Atlas Lions controlled much of the game but failed to score before half-time, even missing a penalty opportunity. Their persistence was rewarded after the break, with Brahim Díaz opening the scoring before substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win with a spectacular overhead kick.
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First Half Frustrations for the Hosts
Morocco started strongly and dominated possession in the opening stages, but they were unable to convert their early pressure into goals. A penalty opportunity in the first half — awarded after a foul on Díaz — was squandered when Soufiane Rahimi’s spot-kick was saved, keeping the score level at 0-0 going into the interval.
Comoros defended in numbers throughout the first half, successfully restricting Morocco’s attacking options and forcing several turnovers. Their compact setup frustrated the hosts, who finished the opening 45 minutes without a breakthrough.
Morocco Break the Deadlock
The deadlock was finally broken just after the hour mark when Noussair Mazraoui kept the ball alive on the right flank and squared it to Brahim Díaz, who calmly finished from inside the area to give Morocco the lead.
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The crowd at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium erupted as the hosts took control, and the breakthrough goal lifted Morocco’s confidence, allowing them to play with greater fluidity and creativity.
El Kaabi’s Spectacular Finish
Ten minutes after coming off the bench, Ayoub El Kaabi extended Morocco’s advantage with an eye-catching bicycle kick that left spectators in awe. The acrobatic strike not only sealed the victory but also underlined Morocco’s attacking quality as they begin their title push.
Despite heavy rain and a resilient Comoros defensive effort, Morocco’s superior firepower eventually prevailed, and the hosts were able to manage the final stages of the match to preserve the clean sheet.
What This Means for Both Teams
The win gives Morocco a positive start in Group A, placing them on three points as they prepare for upcoming fixtures against Mali and Zambia. Comoros, making their own mark with a determined defensive performance, will regroup as they aim to secure their first points in the competition.
Morocco’s performance — while not entirely convincing early on — showcased their depth and attacking options, providing optimism among fans that the host nation can advance deep into the tournament.
