Morocco Overcome Comoros with Second-Half Spark in Afcon 2025 Opener
So, Afcon 2025 is officially up and running, and hosts Morocco have started their campaign with a 2–0 win over a very stubborn Comoros side in the tournament’s opening match. On paper, this looked like a comfortable night for the Atlas Lions, but what actually played out in Rabat was a far more testing and tense affair than many expected.
The match was played in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, in front of more than 60,000 fans, and from early on it was clear Morocco would have to work hard. A golden chance was handed to them just 11 minutes in when a penalty was awarded after Brahim Diaz was brought down in the box. However, that moment was wasted as Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor guessed right and saved Soufiane Rahimi’s spot-kick, setting the tone for a first half full of frustration for the hosts.
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Comoros, ranked far below Morocco, were set up to defend deep, and that plan worked remarkably well before the break. Morocco dominated possession, but clear chances were limited, while Comoros grew in confidence. To make matters more difficult, Morocco were forced to reshuffle early when captain Romain Saiss was taken off injured, and influential full-back Achraf Hakimi was only fit enough to start on the bench.
The breakthrough finally arrived ten minutes into the second half. Brahim Diaz, left unmarked near the penalty spot, calmly swept the ball home after a low cross from Noussair Mazraoui. It was the first goal of Afcon 2025, and the relief inside the stadium was obvious. The game then opened up, with Comoros briefly threatening an equaliser, only to be denied by a strong save from Yassine Bounou.
With around 15 minutes remaining, Morocco made the result safe in spectacular fashion. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi produced a stunning overhead kick from inside the box, a goal that instantly lit up the tournament and will almost certainly be remembered as one of Afcon’s defining moments. It was a piece of brilliance that finally broke Comoros’ resistance.
In the end, Morocco did what was expected, extending their remarkable winning run to 19 matches and collecting three vital points. However, this was also a reminder that no game at Afcon comes easy. Credit has to be given to Comoros, especially goalkeeper Pandor, who delivered an outstanding performance on the biggest stage.
For Morocco, the win will bring relief rather than celebration. Tougher tests lie ahead, starting with Mali, but for now, the hosts are up and running, and the dream of lifting a first Afcon title since 1976 remains very much alive.
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