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Hosts Morocco opened their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2025 campaign with a composed 2–0 victory over Comoros in a rain-soaked opener at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, navigating early nerves to secure maximum points.
The Atlas Lions had the chance to settle the contest inside the opening quarter-hour after Brahim Diaz was fouled in the box, but Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor kept his side in the game by saving Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty.
The miss allowed Comoros to grow in confidence as they sat deep, remained organised and frustrated the hosts throughout a tense first half.
Morocco’s persistence paid off 10 minutes after the restart when Noussair Mazraoui delivered a precise low cross into the area, allowing Diaz to strike from close range.
The goal ignited celebrations among the 60,180 supporters in attendance and shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the hosts.
The match then opened up, with Comoros forward Rafiki Said testing goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, while Pandor continued to impress at the other end by denying Mazraoui a second goal.
Morocco, however, maintained control and sealed the outcome in style when substitute Ayoub El Kaabi scored a spectacular overhead kick with 15 minutes remaining.
The victory came despite Morocco being without captain Achraf Hakimi, who was named on the bench as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, and the early loss of central defender Romain Saiss to injury.
The result extended Morocco’s world-record run to 19 consecutive wins and reinforced their status as one of the tournament favourites.
Morocco will face a sterner challenge in their next Group A fixture against Mali on Friday, while the tournament continues on Monday with further group matches, including Egypt and South Africa opening their campaigns.
For coach Walid Regragui and his players, the opening win provides relief and momentum, but the pressure remains as the Atlas Lions pursue a first Afcon title since 1976 in front of their home supporters.