Hosts Morocco launched their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations journey with a composed 2–0 win over Comoros on Sunday night, delighting a capacity crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Second-half strikes from Brahim Diaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi proved decisive after a first period that tested the patience of the Atlas Lions, who dominated the ball but struggled to break down a resolute Comoros defence.
The occasion carried added glamour, with Crown Prince Moulay Hassan in attendance alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe.
Moments before kick-off, captain Achraf Hakimi presented his newly claimed 2025 CAF Player of the Year award to the supporters, igniting the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Morocco set the tempo early and were given a golden opportunity in the 11th minute when Diaz was brought down in the area.
However, Soufiane Rahimi’s spot kick was superbly saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, keeping the underdogs in the contest.
The hosts suffered a blow midway through the first half when skipper Romain Saïss was forced off with injury, Jawad El Yamiq stepping in while Yassine Bounou assumed the captain’s armband.
Despite sustained pressure and a late penalty appeal that was later ruled out by VAR due to a handball in the build-up, Morocco went into the interval still searching for a breakthrough.
Relief arrived ten minutes after the restart. A measured long pass from Sofyan Amrabat released Noussair Mazraoui down the flank, and his low cross was calmly dispatched by Diaz to finally unlock the Comoros resistance.
Morocco continued to push forward, prompting a series of desperate clearances from Comoros. Head coach Walid Regragui’s substitutions then made the difference.
In the 65th minute, Ayoub El Kaabi produced a spectacular overhead kick from Anass Salaj Eddine’s delivery, doubling the lead and effectively sealing the result.
Comoros attempted to rally in the closing stages, but Morocco managed the game professionally to secure all three points on opening night.
The Atlas Lions are back in action on Friday, December 26, when they face Mali, while Comoros will look to bounce back against Zambia on the same day.
Group A action continues on Monday with Mali taking on Zambia at 5:00pm (EAT). In Group B, South Africa face Angola at 8:00pm (EAT), before Egypt meet Zimbabwe at 11:00pm (EAT).
