Tournament hosts Morocco began their quest for a first Africa Cup of Nations title in 49 years with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Comoros in Rabat.
In a rain-soaked opening match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Atlas Lions were frustrated for over an hour by a resilient Comoros side and a superb performance from visiting goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, before Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the points with a stunning overhead kick late on to send the home crowd into raptures.
The win puts Walid Regragui’s side top of Group A, but the night was not without its concerns as captain Romain Saiss was forced off with an early injury.
FULL-TIME 🇲🇦🇰🇲
First day. First match. First win for Morocco. 🤩#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @tecnomobile pic.twitter.com/RlRPY3Yf6E
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 21, 2025
Frustration for the favourites
The pre-match atmosphere was electric as Morocco, the world’s 11th-ranked side, sought to justify their status as heavy tournament favourites. However, the script nearly went off-course within the first ten minutes.
Morocco were awarded a penalty after Diaz was brought down in the box, but Soufiane Rahimi saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by Pandor, who dived low to his left to deny the hosts an early lead.
Things went from bad to worse for the hosts when veteran defender Saiss hobbled off in the 19th minute, replaced by Jawad El Yamiq. Despite dominating possession and territorial control, Morocco struggled to break down the Coelacanth of Comoros, who defended with 10 men behind the ball and reached half-time with the scoreline level at .
A penalty. A pause. A Pandor moment. 🧤🇰🇲#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/YCzAfQ7RVK
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 21, 2025
Magic from Diaz and El Kaabi
The pressure intensified after the break as the rain began to subside. The breakthrough finally arrived when Noussair Mazraoui drove down the right flank and delivered a precise cut-back for Brahim Diaz, who composed himself to fire home with his right foot.
Comoros, forced to abandon their defensive shell, grew in confidence and tested Morocco’s Bono through a smothering save, but the hosts’ superior quality eventually told.
The highlight of the night came in the 74th minute. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi met a teasing cross from Anass Salah-Eddine with a spectacular, acrobatic bicycle kick that flew into the bottom corner. It was a goal-of-the-tournament contender that effectively ended the contest.
“We knew it would be difficult; there is no such thing as a small team in AFCON anymore,” said Morocco manager Walid Regragui. “The most important thing was the three points and the character we showed after the missed penalty.”
Take flight. Land. Celebrate your way. Ayoub El Kaabi. 😮💨🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/NotNWloYWB
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 21, 2025
What’s Next?
Morocco will look to build on this momentum when they face Zambia on Friday, while Comoros will take heart from their spirited performance as they prepare to meet Mali.
