Morocco kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the tournament’s opening match, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Despite a nervy start and missed opportunities, the Atlas Lions showed resilience and eventually dominated the match. Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi were the stars of the show, securing a vital win for the hosts in front of a passionate crowd of over 60,000 spectators.
The match began with Morocco asserting control early on. In the 11th minute, the hosts had a golden opportunity to take the lead after Brahim Diaz was fouled inside the box by Comoros defender Iyad Mohamed. However, Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off an excellent save, denying Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty with a knee save.
Despite the early setback, Morocco continued to pressure the Comoros defense with quick passes and slick movement. However, the Indian Ocean islanders held their ground, frustrating the Moroccan attackers with disciplined defending and minimal mistakes in possession.
It wasn’t until the 55th minute that Morocco broke the deadlock. Diaz, who had been Morocco’s top scorer in AFCON 2025 qualifying with seven goals, was left unmarked near the penalty spot. Noussair Mazraoui delivered a precise low cross, and Diaz made no mistake, slotting the ball into the net to put Morocco 1-0 up. The stadium erupted in celebration as Morocco finally found a way through the stubborn Comoros defense.
Comoros responded with a few counter-attacks, the most notable being a chance for Rafiki Said, who managed to get past Morocco’s defense but was denied by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Despite their best efforts, Comoros couldn’t capitalize on their chances.
In the 75th minute, substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the victory with a stunning overhead kick. The goal came after Anass Salah-Eddine lofted a ball into the box, which El Kaabi acrobatically sent into the net, leaving Pandor with no chance to save. This remarkable strike made it 2-0, ensuring Morocco’s dominant win and securing all three points in their opening match.
AFCON 2025: Challenges and Triumphs for Morocco
Despite the win, Morocco’s performance wasn’t without its challenges. The team had to play without influential captain Achraf Hakimi, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury suffered during a Champions League match for Paris Saint-Germain. Furthermore, veteran defender Romain Saiss was forced off early with an injury, adding to the pressure on the Moroccan squad.
Nevertheless, Morocco managed to adapt and secure the victory. Coach Walid Regragui, who led Morocco to historic success at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, emphasized the importance of this win in Morocco’s pursuit of a second continental title, their first since 1976. The victory extended Morocco’s world record run of consecutive victories to 19 matches, but tougher tests await as they prepare for their next match against Mali.
AFCON 2025 Host Morocco Eye Glory
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations marks a significant milestone for Morocco, as the country is both the host and one of the favorites to win the tournament. Their success at the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first African side to reach the semifinals, has raised expectations for the Atlas Lions. The Moroccan government has heavily invested in football infrastructure, ensuring that the country’s stadiums are world-class, and the atmosphere during the opener was electrifying, with Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan greeting the players before the match.
However, despite the overwhelming support from home fans, Morocco will need to address a few areas of concern. The defense was tested on several occasions, and the penalty miss in the first half highlighted that there are still aspects of the game that need refinement before they face tougher opponents later in the tournament.
Morocco’s Road Ahead in AFCON 2025
Morocco’s next challenge in AFCON 2025 comes against Mali, a team that will likely provide a much stronger test. The Atlas Lions will look to improve on their performance in the opener and build momentum toward a potential title run. After their victory over Comoros, Morocco will need to maintain their focus and address any weaknesses if they are to make it to the final stages of the tournament and secure a long-awaited second AFCON title.
Comoros, on the other hand, will aim to bounce back in their upcoming match against Zambia. Despite their loss, the team showed resilience and may still pose a threat to other teams in the group.
Morocco’s 2-0 victory over Comoros in the AFCON 2025 opener was a solid start for the hosts, with Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi playing pivotal roles. While the team faced some challenges, including key injuries, they will aim to continue their strong form in the tournament. Fans are hoping this AFCON campaign will bring Morocco its second continental title and a chance to celebrate football glory on home soil.
AFCON 2025 Group A Standings :
| Team | Matches Played | Points | Goals Scored | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Comoros | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Mali | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Zambia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
FAQs :
- Who scored the goals for Morocco in the AFCON 2025 opener?
- Brahim Diaz scored the opening goal, followed by Ayoub El Kaabi, who sealed the victory with an overhead kick.
- Where was the AFCON 2025 opener held?
- The match took place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
- Is Achraf Hakimi playing in AFCON 2025?
- No, Hakimi was unavailable for the match due to an ankle injury. He was on the bench during the opener.
- What is Morocco’s next match in AFCON 2025?
- Morocco will face Mali in their second Group A match on December 26, 2025.
- How many consecutive wins does Morocco have now?
- Morocco extended their world record run to 19 consecutive wins with their 2-0 victory over Comoros.
- What is the future of AFCON after 2025?
- Starting in 2028, AFCON will be held every four years instead of biennially.
