Hosts, Morocco got their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign off to a winning start, defeating minnows Comoros 2–0 in the tournament’s opening game on Sunday, 21 December, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The victory, achieved on a wet and cold night, sets the Atlas Lions up for the tougher tests to come in Group A against Mali and Zambia.
Frustrating First Half for Morocco
The match began with Morocco dominating possession and pressuring the Comoros defense. They were rewarded early when Brahim Diaz was tripped inside the box by Iyad Mohamed in the 10th minute, earning a penalty. However, Soufiane Rahimi’s spot-kick was superbly saved by Yannick Pandor, leaving the scores level. Comoros, a tiny Indian Ocean archipelago ranked 108th in the world, held firm for the rest of the first half, frustrating the hosts.
Morocco’s star man and captain, Achraf Hakimi, watched the first half from the bench as coach Walid Regragui preserved the Paris Saint-Germain full-back, who has been sidelined since an ankle injury in early November. Veteran centre-back Romain Saiss also came off injured early, forcing some defensive reshuffling.
Second-Half Brilliance: Diaz and El Kaabi Shine
The deadlock was broken 10 minutes after halftime. Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui, starting at right-back in place of Hakimi, delivered a low cross from the right side of the penalty area, allowing Brahim Diaz to fire home from close range and give Morocco a 1–0 lead.
The second goal came in spectacular fashion in the 74th minute. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi, playing for Greek giants Olympiakos, met a cross from Anass Salah-Eddine with a stunning overhead bicycle kick, sealing a 2–0 victory and igniting celebrations among the home crowd of 60,180 spectators, which included Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Comoros’ Brave Resistance
Despite the loss, Comoros showed resilience. Pandor’s penalty save and several defensive interventions frustrated Morocco during the first half, and they even carved out a chance late in the game when Rafiki Said was denied one-on-one with the keeper.
Morocco Extends Winning Run
The result allowed Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked team in 11th place globally, to extend their world-record winning streak to 19 consecutive matches, a remarkable feat as they look to capture the continental crown on home soil.
Looking Ahead
Morocco will next face Mali on Friday, following Mali’s opening match against Zambia in Casablanca on Monday. Elsewhere in Group B, South Africa take on Angola in Marrakesh, while Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah and chasing their first AFCON title since 2010, begin against Zimbabwe in Agadir.
This edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is unique, being the first to start in one year and conclude in another, with the final set for January 18, 2026, in Rabat.
Final Score:
Morocco 2 — 0 Comoros
Goals: Brahim Diaz (55′), Ayoub El Kaabi (74’)
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Attendance: 60,180
