Tournament hosts Morocco launched their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a decisive 2–0 victory over Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday night.
The victory propels the Atlas Lions to the top of Group A and settles the nerves of a home crowd eager for a first continental title since 1976.
The opening half proved to be a test of patience for Walid Regragui’s side. Despite dominating possession, Morocco squandered a golden opportunity in the 10th minute when Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty was expertly parried by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The visitors’ disciplined defensive block and Pandor's heroics kept the scoreline level at the interval, briefly silencing the fervent local support.
The deadlock was finally broken 10 minutes after the restart. Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz, making his highly anticipated AFCON debut, capitalised on a precise cross from Noussair Mazraoui to slot the ball into the bottom corner.
The goal marked the first of the tournament and shifted the momentum entirely in favour of the hosts.
Morocco doubled their lead in the 74th minute through a moment of individual brilliance from substitute Ayoub El Kaabi. The striker met a delivery from Anass Salah-Eddine with a spectacular overhead kick that left Pandor with no chance.
The goal effectively ended any hopes of a Comorian comeback and ignited a celebratory atmosphere in the stands despite a late downpour.
Morocco now turns its attention to a December 26 clash against Mali, while Comoros will look to secure their first points against Zambia.
The win reinforces Morocco's status as tournament favourites following their historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run.
