Second-half goals from Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi were enough to bag the win in a match against a team that proved more resilient than many expected. Morocco dominated possession from the outset, but clear chances were scarce early on. 

The Atlas Lions thought they had an early breakthrough when Brahim Díaz won a penalty, but Yannick Pandor guessed correctly to deny Soufiane Rahimi from the spot.

Host country Morocco had a dream start to their CAF Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2025 by beating Comoros 2-0. Photo: X

Morocco’s first half was further disrupted by the early injury to captain Romain Saïss, who was forced off following a heavy collision. The breakthrough finally arrived ten minutes after the restart when Noussair Mazraoui drilled a low cross into the box, which was smoothly guided in by Díaz. 

Morocco’s second goal was scored in the 73rd minute courtesy of a brilliant overhead kick by Ayoub El Kaabi. Post-match, Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui said they had been preparing for this match for a long time.

“We have been preparing for this game for a year and a half. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We had a bad start, with the missed penalty and the injury-forced exit of Romain Saïss. 

Top of Group A

“At half-time, I wasn’t very satisfied with the team, and we spoke to put certain adjustments in place, which the players applied very quickly,” he said.

The victory sends Morocco top of Group A, and they will face Mali next on 26 December in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Comoros will also be in action again on 26 December when they face Zambia at the Mohamed V Stadium.

On Monday, six teams will be playing. Mali will face Zambia at 16:00 at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, while South Africa will take on Angola at 19:00 at Stade de Marrakech. The final game on Monday will be between Egypt and Zimbabwe at 22:00 at Le Grand Stade Agadir.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger mvh