In a rain-soaked Rabat, the host nation Morocco kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey with a gritty 2-0 victory over a resolute Comoros team. While they secured the three points, the win offered little breathing room.

The Atlas Lions faced significant pressure before the match, and it took until late in the game for them to truly secure the result.

Missed chances and early frustration

The game started with a golden opportunity for Morocco to calm their nerves when Brahim Diaz was brought down in the penalty area by Iyad Mohamed just 11 minutes in.

However, Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty was expertly blocked by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, whose quick reflexes with his left knee kept the hosts from taking an early lead.

Comoros then adopted a deep defensive stance, clogging the center of the pitch and disrupting Morocco’s rhythm, which led to a frustrating first half for the home team.

Diaz breaks the resistance

The breakthrough finally arrived 10 minutes after the restart. Diaz, left unmarked near the penalty spot, calmly converted Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross to ignite the 60,180 crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The goal opened the contest. Comoros threatened briefly through Rafiki Said, who was denied by Yassine Bounou, while Pandor again impressed by pushing away a fierce Mazraoui effort.

El Kaabi seals it amid setbacks

Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi wrapped up the win in spectacular fashion, scoring with an overhead kick 15 minutes from time to give Morocco breathing space and ensure a winning start.

Walid Regragui’s side achieved the result despite notable absences and setbacks. Captain Achraf Hakimi remained on the bench as he continues recovery from an ankle injury, while centre-back Romain Saiss was forced off early.

Winning start, tougher tests ahead

The victory extends Morocco’s world-record winning streak to 19 matches, but the performance underlined areas for improvement ahead of a sterner Group A test against Mali on Friday.

Elsewhere, Group A continues on Monday with Mali facing Zambia, while Egypt and South Africa open their campaigns in Group B.