Morocco scored twice in the second half to seal a 2-0 win over Comoros in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, Rabat, on Sunday night.
In the group A encounter, the hosts missed a first half penalty but calmed jitters with two well-taken goals, as Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi got the capacity crowd in frenzy mode.
Morocco dominated possession in the early exchanges, poured forward for an early goal, and were awarded a penalty for a foul on Brahim Diaz.
Soufiane Rahimi, however, saw his low shot to the right saved by Yannick Pandor, Comoros goalkeeper, amid jeers from the charged crowd.
The hosts were almost gifted a second penalty kick but a VAR review dismissed the claim as both sides went into the break goalless despite Morocco enjoying over 70% of possession.
The second period began with more pressure from Morocco as Neil El Aynaoui could only find the side-netting from an inviting cross.
Morocco eventually broke the deadlock when Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross into the area was lashed into the net by Diaz, leaving Pandor with no chance, and putting Morocco ahead 1-0.
Comoros briefly threatened after the goal, with Yassine Bounou stopping an equalizer with his outstretched feet from point blank range.
Morocco however responded with a triple chance: Azzedine Ounahi’s shot was blocked, Mazraoui’s low effort was saved, and Jawad El Yamiq’s rebound turned away.
The Atlas Lions eventually doubled their lead on 74 minutes with a goal-of-the-tournament contender. El Kaabi produced a stunning overhead kick from a lofted cross, and the ball arrowed into the net to seal a fanfare night in Rabat.
Victory means Morocco have not lost to Comoros, with the latest win the fourth in five matches.
