Morocco 2-0 Comoros: Diaz, El Kaabi sealed Atlas Lions win AFCON 2025 opener

Morocco began their 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over Comoros in a Group A encounter played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night.

The win ensured a perfect start for the tournament hosts, placing the Atlas Lions at the top of Group A after the opening round of matches.

Under head coach Walid Regragui, Morocco will now look to all but secure qualification for the Round of 16 when they face Mali at the same venue on December 26.

Comoros, meanwhile, endured a frustrating start to their AFCON journey.

Despite a disciplined first-half performance, they were undone by two second-half goals and will aim to bounce back when they take on Zambia at the Mohamed V Stadium on December 26.

Head coach Stefano Cusin will be eager to see an improved showing from his side.

Morocco dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, with Brahim Diaz causing constant problems for the Comoros defence.

The hosts were awarded an early penalty in the 10th minute after Diaz was fouled inside the box, but Soufiane Rahimi saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

The Atlas Lions continued to press forward, with Diaz again going down in the penalty area shortly before halftime.

However, following a VAR review, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala waved away Morocco’s appeals, and the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.

The pressure eventually told in the second half. Ten minutes after the restart, Diaz broke the deadlock, finishing from close range after receiving a well-timed pass from Noussair Mazraoui to give Morocco a deserved 1-0 lead.

The goal ignited the home crowd and further tilted the momentum in Morocco’s favour.

Morocco sealed the victory in the 74th minute through substitute Ayoub El Kaabi.

The Olympiacos striker showcased his class with a superb acrobatic finish after connecting with Anass Salah-Eddine’s precise cross, confirming a deserved win for the North African giants.

The result reflected Morocco’s control and attacking intent throughout the match, while Comoros were left to reflect on missed opportunities and a resilient but ultimately unsuccessful defensive effort.

Morocco won 2-0, with goals from Diaz (55’) and El Kaabi (74’), as AFCON 2025 got off to a strong start for the hosts in Rabat.

• Line-ups

MOROCCO: Bono; Salah-Eddine, Aguerd, Saiss (El Yamiq 19'), Mazraoui; Ounahi (Ezzalzouli 64'), Amrabat, Diaz (En Nesyri 76'); El Aynaoui, Rahimi (El Kaabi 65'), Saibari (Masina 76')

COMOROS: Pandor; Kari (Abdallah 67'), Soilhi, Toibibou (M'Dahoma 79'), Boura; Z. Youssouf (Bourhane 79'), B. Youssouf (Bakari 67'), Mohamed, Selemani; Said, M’Changama (Maolida 82').

Photos