Morocco Kick Off AFCON 2025 with Style as El Kaabi Steals the Spotlight
If this was meant to be a routine opening-night win, Morocco made sure it still felt special. Playing in front of a packed home crowd in Rabat, the tournament hosts began their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a 2–0 victory over Comoros, but the scoreline only tells part of the story. What really grabbed attention was how the game unfolded, and especially how it was finished.
For long stretches, Morocco were made to work. Comoros, ranked well outside the world’s elite, came with a clear plan. They sat deep, stayed compact, and frustrated the hosts for much of the first half. Morocco dominated possession, switched play quickly from wing to wing, and pumped crosses into the box, yet clear chances were hard to come by. Even when an early penalty was awarded, the moment slipped away as Soufiane Rahimi’s effort was saved, briefly quietening the home crowd.
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The breakthrough eventually arrived 10 minutes after half-time. The tempo had been raised, the passing became sharper, and space finally opened up. Noussair Mazraoui’s intelligent movement down the right created room in the box, and Brahim Diaz was left unmarked. From close range, the Real Madrid winger made no mistake, calmly side-footing the ball home. It was the kind of moment that underlined why he is expected to be such a key figure for Morocco in this tournament.
Still, the game remained slightly tense until the moment everyone will remember. With around 15 minutes to go, substitute Ayoub El Kaabi produced a stunning overhead kick that immediately drew comparisons to Scott McTominay’s famous finish for Scotland. The technique, the timing, and the confidence were all there. Gasps rippled through the stadium as the ball flew into the corner, and the contest was effectively settled.
That goal did more than seal the win. It extended Morocco’s remarkable run to 19 consecutive victories and showcased the depth they possess, especially with influential players like Achraf Hakimi not even starting. It also hinted at both strengths and weaknesses. Morocco’s high-tempo, aggressive style can overwhelm teams, but there were moments when they looked vulnerable to direct balls and quick counters.
For now, though, the focus is on a perfect start. Three points were secured, confidence was boosted, and a moment of brilliance lit up the tournament’s opening night. Tougher tests lie ahead against Mali and Zambia, but Morocco have made it clear they are not just hosts. They are here to compete, and if moments like El Kaabi’s wonder strike are anything to go by, they plan to do it in unforgettable fashion.
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