Morocco opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a delightful 2-0 win over the underdogs Comoros, thanks to second-half goals from Real M
Morocco opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a delightful 2-0 win over the underdogs Comoros, thanks to second-half goals from Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz and Olympiacos hitman Ayoub El Kaabi.
The hosts overcame early nerves and a missed penalty by Sofiane Rahimi in the first half to secure a winning start in Rabat.
The match began with high drama at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where an official crowd of over 60,000 witnessed Morocco miss a golden opportunity in the 10th minute.
A huge opportunity was presented to the Atlas Lions when a soft penalty was awarded to the home team.
Soufiane Rahimi’s unconvincing penalty was brilliantly saved by the much-busy Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, setting the tone for a tense first half.
Comoros, disciplined and compact in all aspects of the team, absorbed waves of Moroccan pressure and even threatened on the counter through Faiz Selemani, but Yassine Bounou stood firm to keep the score level.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 55th minute when Brahim Díaz, left unmarked near the penalty spot, swept home Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross to send the home fans into raptures.
That goal lifted the Atlas Lions, who began to play with more freedom and confidence.
Comoros tried to respond, with Rafiki Said forcing Bounou into another save, but Morocco’s depth and attacking quality began to show as the game wore on.
The result was sealed spectacularly in the 74th minute when the substitute Ayoub El Kaabi produced a stunning overhead scissor-kick finish, which could contest for the goal of the tournament and also the Puskas Awards in 2026, one of the highlights of the tournament’s opening weekend.
Morocco’s 2-0 win not only gave them three points in Group A but also underlined their credentials as hosts and contenders.
For Comoros, the performance showed resilience and promise, though they will need sharper finishing to trouble future opponents.
Morocco will face Mali while Comoros will entertain Zambia\ in round two of the group stage games.
COMMENTS