Hosts Morocco beat stubborn Comoros in 2025 AFCON opener as Díaz, El Kaabi steal the show
Hosts Morocco opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a tense but deserved victory over stubborn Comoros in the tournament opener played in rainy Rabat on Sunday, December 21, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The Atlas Lions missed an early opportunity to seize control when Iyad Mohamed brought down Brahim Díaz in the box in the 11th minute, but Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor saved Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty, getting his left knee to the spot kick.
The Indian Ocean islanders then sat deep and frustrated Morocco until 10 minutes into the second half, when Díaz was left unmarked near the penalty spot and calmly swept home Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross.
The Real Madrid forward’s opener was greeted by a deafening roar from the majority of the 60,180 supporters at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, and the match sprang into life soon after.
Comoros forward Rafiki Saïd was denied by the legs of Yassine Bounou, while Mazraoui saw a powerful effort palmed away by Pandor at the other end.
Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win in spectacular fashion with a sensational overhead kick 15 minutes from time, ensuring Walid Regragui’s side lived up to pre-match expectations.
Morocco achieved the victory without influential captain Achraf Hakimi, who was named on the bench as he continued his recovery from an ankle injury sustained while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in early November.
The hosts also suffered a setback when centre-back Romain Saïss was forced off injured early in the match.
The three points extended Morocco’s world-record run of consecutive victories to 19, though a sterner test awaits when they face Mali on Friday, December 26.
Meanwhile, three matches are scheduled for Monday, December 22, with Mali taking on Zambia in the second Group A fixture, while Egypt and South Africa open their campaigns in Group B.
