Rahimi’s Missed Penalty Freezes Rabat in CAN 2025 Opener
So, let me walk you through what happened in Rabat during the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, because this one had everything — tension, drama, and a moment that completely silenced a packed stadium.
The tournament kicked off with Morocco, the host nation and one of the clear favorites, facing Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. More than 60,000 fans were in attendance, the rain had poured down earlier, and the atmosphere felt electric from the moment the teams stepped onto the pitch. Morocco, coming in with huge expectations after their historic World Cup run, was expected to set the tone right away.
From the start, the Lions of the Atlas were on the ball. Possession was being controlled, the tempo was managed patiently, and the crowd responded to every forward movement. Comoros, though clearly the underdogs, stayed compact and disciplined, waiting for their moments.
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Then came the turning point of the first half. Morocco was awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was clipped inside the box. The referee pointed straight to the spot without hesitation, and the stadium erupted. Soufiane Rahimi stepped up, calm and confident, ready to give Morocco the perfect opening goal to ignite the tournament.
But instead of celebration, silence followed.
Rahimi’s penalty was saved brilliantly by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, who guessed right and blocked the shot with his knee while diving low. In an instant, the noise drained out of the stadium. What was supposed to be a statement moment became a shock, and a wave of disbelief washed over the Moroccan fans. It felt like a cold wind had swept through Rabat.
As if that wasn’t enough, moments later, Morocco suffered another blow. Captain Romain Saïss went down after an earlier challenge and was eventually forced to leave the pitch in tears, clearly injured. Jawad El-Yamiq was brought on to replace him, but the emotional impact was obvious. Losing your captain so early in a tournament, especially at home, is never easy.
Despite the missed penalty and the injury setback, Morocco continued to dominate possession. The ball was moved patiently from side to side, while Comoros fought bravely, defending deep and feeding off the growing frustration of the hosts. Every Moroccan attack was met with nervous anticipation from the crowd, who were still processing that missed chance.
In the end, this opening match reminded everyone that tournaments aren’t won on paper. Even the strongest favorites can stumble, and one moment — like a saved penalty — can change the entire mood of a stadium. For Morocco, the pressure is now very real. For Comoros, belief has clearly been gained. And for the rest of Africa, the message is simple: this CAN 2025 is wide open.
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