Africa cup of nations (AFCON) 2025 hosts Morocco, shook off a shaky start to secure a 2-0 victory over Comoros in Sunday’s tournament opener, thanks to second-half goals from Brahim Diaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi.
Despite being heavy favourites and ranked 97 spots above Comoros in the FIFA rankings, Morocco had to battle through tough conditions and a spirited opponent to claim all three points at a rainy Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Morocco missed an early penalty and went into halftime without a goal despite dominating possession, but finally broke through in the 55th minute when Noussair Mazraoui kept the ball in play and set up Brahim Diaz to calmly slot home.
Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi eased the pressure with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, just 10 minutes after coming on, sealing a 2-0 win.
The hosts initially struggled under the weight of expectation as underdogs Comoros held firm, but Morocco’s attacking quality eventually proved too much.
An early opportunity to lead was wasted when Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty – given after a soft foul on Diaz- was poorly taken and saved by goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Diaz’s persistence paid off with his goal, and El Kaabi’s finish gave Morocco breathing room.
Comoros nearly equalised shortly after Diaz’s strike, but Rafiki Said’s shot was comfortably saved by Yassine Bounou.
Pandor made several more saves late on as Comoros tired, helping to keep the scoreline respectable in a spirited showing.
