AFCON 2025: Hosts Morocco Kick Off with 2-0 Win Over Comoros.
Hosts Morocco launched their campaign for a second Africa Cup of Nations title with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over a resilient Comoros side in the tournament opener on December 21, 2025, at a rain-soaked Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Despite the wet conditions and a sold-out crowd of over 60,000, the Atlas Lions faced early frustration. They missed an 11th-minute penalty when Soufiane Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.Comoros defended stoutly in the first half, but Morocco broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second when Brahim DÃaz (Real Madrid) finished coolly from close range after a low cross from Noussair Mazraoui.
The game opened up afterward, with Comoros' Rafiki Saïd forcing a save from Yassine Bounou, but substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win in the 74th minute with a spectacular overhead kick – an early contender for goal of the tournament.Morocco played without key captain Achraf Hakimi (benched due to recent injury) and lost defender Romain Saïss early to injury, yet extended their world-record winning streak to 19 games.Coach Walid Regragui's side now faces a sterner test against Mali on Boxing Day (December 26). Comoros, praised for their organization, take on Zambia the same day.
AFCON 2025: Morocco vs Comoros Match Report
Match Summary
Hosts Morocco began their quest for a second Africa Cup of Nations title with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the tournament opener on December 21, 2025. The game took place in rainy conditions at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, in front of a crowd of over 60,000.Key Moments
Hosts Morocco began their quest for a second Africa Cup of Nations title with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the tournament opener on December 21, 2025. The game took place in rainy conditions at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, in front of a crowd of over 60,000.Key Moments
- 11th minute: Morocco awarded a penalty after Brahim DÃaz was fouled, but Soufiane Rahimi's spot-kick was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
- 55th minute: Brahim DÃaz broke the deadlock, sweeping home a low cross from Noussair Mazraoui.
- 75th minute: Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win with a stunning overhead kick – an early contender for goal of the tournament.
- Morocco played without captain Achraf Hakimi (benched due to ankle injury) and lost centre-back Romain Saïss early to injury.
- Despite the absences, the Atlas Lions extended their world-record winning streak to 19 consecutive victories.
- Brahim DÃaz (Real Madrid): Scored the opener and was a constant threat.
- Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos): Came off the bench to score a spectacular overhead kick (his 14th goal in 21 games this season for club).
- Yannick Pandor (Comoros GK): Heroic penalty save and several key stops.
- Morocco, Africa's top-ranked team since their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run, are under huge pressure to win their first AFCON since 1976.
- Coach Walid Regragui stated pre-tournament: "Anything other than victory will be a failure."
- Next for Morocco: A tougher test against Mali on December 26.
- The finals are being held in Morocco (delayed from summer 2025 due to scheduling).
- CAF announced on the eve of the tournament that AFCON will switch to a four-year cycle from 2028 onwards.
- Upcoming matches on December 22: Mali vs Zambia (Group A), Egypt vs Zimbabwe, and South Africa vs Tunisia (Group B).
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