Morocco Open AFCON 2025 Campaign with Controlled Win Over Comoros

Rabat – Morocco made a composed start to their TotalEnergies (CAF) Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 campaign with a 2–0 victory over Comoros at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night.

Second-half goals from Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi proved decisive for the hosts, who were forced to remain patient against a disciplined Comorian side that defended deep and frustrated the Atlas Lions for long spells.

Despite dominating possession from the opening whistle, Morocco found clear chances hard to come by in the first half as Comoros stayed compact and aggressive in the tackle. The visitors even offered an early reminder of the fine margins in tournament football when Selemani capitalised on a loose touch inside the Moroccan box within the opening five minutes.

Morocco thought they had taken an early lead when Brahim Díaz won a penalty after bursting into the area, but Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor produced a fine save to deny Soufiane Rahimi from the spot. The miss briefly unsettled the hosts, who continued to press through set pieces and crosses, with Ismaël Saibari heading narrowly wide and Azzedine Ounahi testing Pandor from distance.

The first half was further disrupted by an injury to captain Romain Saïss, who was forced off following a heavy collision. Despite their territorial dominance, Walid Regragui’s side went into the break level, frustrated by Comoros’ organisation and resilience.

The breakthrough finally came ten minutes after the restart. A sweeping move down the left saw Noussair Mazraoui drive a low cross into the box, where Brahim Díaz arrived with perfect timing to steer a calm finish past Pandor, sparking celebrations in Rabat.

With the pressure eased, Morocco played with greater freedom, and the decisive moment arrived in the 73rd minute. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi produced a moment of brilliance, connecting acrobatically with a delivery from Salah-Eddine to score an overhead kick that left the goalkeeper rooted and sealed the result.

From there, the Atlas Lions managed the game with maturity, slowing the tempo and limiting Comoros to half-chances as the clock wound down. While not a flamboyant display, it was an efficient and professional performance from one of the tournament favourites.

The win sends Morocco top of Group A after the opening night, ahead of the clash between Mali and Zambia, while Comoros leave encouraged by their defensive discipline but still searching for a breakthrough on the continental stage.

Post-match reactions

Comoros head coach Stefano Cusin praised his side’s effort despite the defeat. “We were solid defensively, but in this kind of game, when the opportunity comes, you have to take it,” Cusin said. “The team showed a good face, and the Comorians can be proud. Had we scored to make it 1–1, the scenario could have been different. Morocco is a great team, and we have to accept defeat.”

Morocco coach Walid Regragui admitted the opening match brought pressure. “We have been preparing for this game for a year and a half, and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves,” Regragui said. “The missed penalty and the injury to Romain Saïss disrupted us. At half-time, I wasn’t satisfied, but we made adjustments, and the players applied them very quickly.”