Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign kicked off with a slightly nervy win over Comoros in a rainy Rabat, with the Atlas Lions securing a 2-0 victory in the tournament opener. Despite missing a penalty early in the match, Morocco showed resilience as Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi scored the goals to give the hosts a solid start.
Early Missed Opportunity and Morocco’s Patience
The game began with a dramatic moment in the 11th minute when Iyad Mohamed fouled Brahim Diaz in the box, giving Morocco a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot. However, Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor was quick to deny Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty, saving it with his left knee.
Comoros adopted a defensive approach, frustrating Morocco with solid organization and quick counters. However, 10 minutes into the second half, Diaz was left unmarked inside the penalty area and made no mistake, converting Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross to give Morocco the lead. The stadium erupted with a roar as 60,180 fans at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium celebrated the first goal.
Comoros’ Response and El Kaabi’s Stunning Finish
After the goal, Comoros started to push forward. Rafiki Said came close to equalizing but was thwarted by a brilliant save from Yassine Bounou, while Mazraoui saw a strong shot palmed away by Pandor. As the match neared its end, substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the victory with a sensational overhead kick to make it 2-0, ensuring the three points for Morocco.
Injury Concerns and Morocco’s Winning Streak
The victory came at a cost, as Morocco played without key players such as Achraf Hakimi, who was only fit for the bench due to an ankle injury sustained while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in early November. Romain Saiss, another key defender, was also forced off early due to injury. Despite these setbacks, Morocco extended their world record run of consecutive wins to 19.
A Tougher Test Ahead
While the win was important, Morocco’s AFCON 2025 journey is just beginning, with a much tougher test ahead against Mali on Friday. Coach Walid Regragui will be hoping for a more commanding performance, especially as Morocco looks to win its first AFCON title since 1976. The pressure is on Regragui, who has stated that “anything other than victory will be a failure” for the team.
A New Era for Moroccan Football
The tournament marks a significant moment for Moroccan football, which has seen vast investment in infrastructure, including stadiums, backed by King Mohammed VI. Following Morocco’s historic performance at the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first African team to reach the semi-finals, the country is aiming for another historic run in AFCON 2025.
With the 2030 World Cup set to be co-hosted by Morocco, the pressure is building for the Atlas Lions to deliver a continental title on home soil. But for now, Morocco’s opening win over Comoros shows that despite a few challenges, they are on track to make a statement at this year’s tournament.
Adapted from BBC News
