Tournament hosts Morocco opened the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2–0 victory against a resilient Comoros side, overcoming early nerves to claim all three points in front of their home supporters in Rabat. While the scoreline suggests comfort, the match proved far more demanding than many had expected.
The Atlas Lions dominated possession from the outset but wasted a golden opportunity to take an early lead when Soufiane Rahimi’s first-half penalty was brilliantly saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros stayed disciplined and compact, frustrating the hosts until the breakthrough finally arrived 10 minutes into the second half. Brahim Díaz, left unmarked inside the box, calmly finished a low cross to ignite celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Morocco sealed the result in spectacular fashion when substitute Ayoub El Kaabi produced an acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, easing any lingering tension.
The hosts had to cope without captain Achraf Hakimi, who was only fit enough for the bench, and also lost defender Romain Saiss to injury during the match.
The win puts Morocco on a strong footing in Group A, though tougher challenges await, starting with a showdown against Mali later in the week.
