Africa Cup Of Nations 2025
- Morocco 2-0 Comoros
Hosts Morocco began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a winning note Sunday night, beating a stubborn Comoros side 2–0 in front of a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat
Second-half goals from Brahim Diaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi settled a contest in which the Atlas Lions dominated possession but had to work hard for their breakthrough.
The night carried a sense of occasion. Crown Prince Moulay Hassan was the guest of honour, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe.
Before kick-off, captain Achraf Hakimi presented his recently won 2025 CAF Player of the Year award to the home crowd, lifting the mood inside the stadium.
Morocco controlled the game from the outset, yet Comoros remained compact and disciplined.
The hosts were handed an early chance in the 11th minute when Diaz was fouled in the box, but Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The first half brought another setback when captain Romain Saïss limped off injured, with Jawad El Yamiq replacing him and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou taking over the armband.
Despite sustained pressure, Morocco went into the break goalless, a late penalty appeal overturned by VAR after a handball was spotted in the build-up.
The breakthrough finally arrived ten minutes into the second half. A long ball from Sofyan Amrabat found Noussair Mazraoui, who beat his marker and squared for Diaz to fire home and release the tension in Rabat.
Morocco pressed for a second, forcing several last ditch interventions from Comoros. Coach Walid Regragui then turned to his bench, and the changes paid off.
In the 65th minute, Ayoub El Kaabi produced a moment of brilliance, rising to meet Anass Salaj Eddine’s delivery with an acrobatic overhead kick to make it 2–0.
Comoros pushed forward late on, but Morocco remained in control to close out a comfortable win and claim maximum points on opening day.
The Atlas Lions return to action on Friday, December 26, against Mali, while Comoros face Zambia on the same day.
Action in Group A continues on Monday as Mali take on Zambia at 5:00pm (EAT).
In Group B, South Africa meet Angola at 8:00pm (EAT), before Egypt face Zimbabwe at 11:00pm (EAT).
