Morocco beats Comoros 2-0 in the AFCON 2025 opener with goals from Diaz and El Kaabi as the Atlas Lions extend their world-record winning streak to 19 matches.
Morocco began their AFCON 2025 journey spectacularly. The Atlas Lions dominated the Comoros, winning 2-0 on Sunday night.
Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi scored second-half goals at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Consequently, the hosts extended their world-record winning streak to 19 consecutive matches.
The first half was filled with frustration for Morocco. Soufiane Rahimi had a penalty saved by goalkeeper Yannick Pandor in the 10th minute. The Comoros keeper dived right and stopped the spot-kick with his legs.
However, the breakthrough finally arrived 10 minutes after the interval. Diaz fired home from inside the area to break the deadlock. The Real Madrid midfielder was set up perfectly by Noussair Mazraoui.
El Kaabi’s overhead kick steals the show
Furthermore, substitute El Kaabi produced the moment of the night. The Olympiakos striker met a cross with a stunning overhead bicycle kick. The spectacular goal sealed the 2-0 victory on a cold, wet evening in Rabat.
Morocco now stands alone with 19 consecutive victories worldwide. The Atlas Lions rank 11th in FIFA’s global standings, making them Africa’s top-rated team. Therefore, expectations remain high for the host nation throughout the tournament.
Captain Achraf Hakimi watched the entire match from the bench. Coach Walid Regragui has preserved the Paris Saint-Germain full-back, who’s recovering from an ankle injury. Additionally, veteran defender Romain Saiss was forced off the field early due to an injury.
Manchester United’s Mazraoui started at right-back in Hakimi’s absence. The Moroccan defender performed admirably and assisted the opening goal.
A crowd of 60,180 packed the stadium in Rabat. Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan appeared on the pitch before kickoff. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was also among the distinguished attendees.
Comoros put up brave resistance
The Indian Ocean islanders defended bravely in the first half. Comoros rank 108th in the world but showed resilience against the favorites. Rafiki Said even had a chance when clean through on goal.
Nevertheless, the quality gap eventually showed in the second half. Comoros are making only their second AFCON appearance after debuting in 2021.
What’s next for Group A
Morocco faces Mali on Friday in their next group match. Meanwhile, Mali takes on Zambia in Casablanca on Monday to complete Group A’s opening round.
The victory sets up Morocco perfectly for tougher challenges ahead. Both Mali and Zambia will provide sterner tests than Comoros offered.
Monday brings more exciting action across the host nation. South Africa faces Angola in Marrakesh in another Group A encounter. Later, Egypt begins their campaign against Zimbabwe in Agadir.
Mohamed Salah leads Egypt’s quest for their first title since 2010. The seven-time African champions remain the tournament’s most successful nation historically.
This AFCON edition makes history by starting in one year and ending in another. The final will be played in Rabat on January 18, 2025. Morocco hopes to lift the trophy on home soil for the first time since 1976.
The Atlas Lions have momentum, home support, and quality on their side. However, the tournament is long and challenges will intensify as it progresses.
