Tournament hosts, Morocco, made a solid start to their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Sunday night, defeating Comoros 2–0 in the opening Group A fixture at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
After a cagey first half in which the Atlas Lions failed to convert their dominance into goals, second-half strikes from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi ensured all three points for the North Africans.
The victory also extended Morocco’s remarkable winning streak to 19 consecutive matches, a new world record, further underlining their status as one of the favourites for the title.
Morocco, ranked 11th in the world and Africa’s highest-ranked team, endured some early frustration when Soufiane Rahimi saw his 10th-minute penalty saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Despite controlling possession and creating chances, the hosts went into the break level against a disciplined Comoros side.
The breakthrough came 10 minutes after the restart when Diaz calmly finished from close range following a well-worked move down the right flank.
Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi then sealed the win in spectacular fashion, scoring with an acrobatic overhead kick that delighted the home crowd on a cold, wet evening.
The match was played before over 60,000 spectators, with Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and FIFA President Gianni Infantino among the dignitaries in attendance.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui opted to rest captain Achraf Hakimi, who is still recovering from an ankle injury, while the hosts were also forced to cope with the early injury of defender Romain Saiss.
Comoros, ranked 108th in the world, defended bravely for long spells and even threatened on the counter, but were ultimately undone by Morocco’s superior quality and depth.
The Atlas Lions will next face Mali on Friday, with tougher tests expected as the group stage progresses.
The 2025 AFCON, which began this weekend, would conclude with the final in Rabat on January 18.
