Hosts Morocco launched their AFCON 2025 campaign on a winning note on Sunday night, overcoming early nerves to secure a convincing 2–0 victory over Comoros in the opening Group A fixture at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, Rabat.
Backed by a roaring home crowd, the Atlas Lions were handed an early opportunity to take the lead when Soufiane Rahimi was fouled inside the penalty area in the ninth minute. However, Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor rose to the occasion, producing a fine save to deny Rahimi from the spot and briefly silence the stadium.
Morocco suffered another setback moments later when captain Romain Saiss was forced off with an injury, prompting Jawad El Yamiq to step in. Despite the disruption, the hosts quickly found their rhythm and asserted dominance, controlling proceedings with an overwhelming 75 per cent possession compared to Comoros’ 25 per cent.
Their persistence paid off shortly after the restart. In the 55th minute, Brahim Diaz broke the deadlock, calmly finishing off a well-worked move set up by Noussair Mazraoui to send the home fans into celebration.
Comoros showed flashes of resistance and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Morocco’s composure and tactical discipline proved decisive. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi put the result beyond doubt in the 74th minute, sealing a deserved victory for the Atlas Lions.
With the win, Morocco sit atop Group A and will face Mali in their next match on Friday, while Comoros turn their attention to Zambia on Thursday.
Elsewhere in the tournament, South Africa will meet Angola in Marrakech on Monday, while seven-time champions Egypt take on Zimbabwe in Agadir in a Group B encounter.
Ranked 11th in the world and Africa’s highest-ranked team, Morocco came into the clash as favourites against Comoros, who are ranked 108th. Sunday’s result continued the North Africans’ strong record against their opponents, marking their fourth win in five meetings, with one match previously ending in a draw. Both sides also crossed paths at the group stage of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a total of 60,180 spectators witnessed the tournament opener, including Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also present, adding to the glamour of a night that set the tone for an exciting AFCON 2025.
