Morocco seal AFCON win against Comoros in 2025 opener

After Brahim Diaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi scored the hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener, Morocco overcame a nervey start to defeat the Comoros 2-0 on Sunday.

Morocco, who are 97 places above the tiny island nation of the Indian Ocean in the world rankings, worked hard for the points in the rain at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Morocco squandered an early penalty and were goalless at halftime despite having the majority of possession. They eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Noussair Mazraoui skillfully kept the ball in play before passing it square to Diaz for side-footing home.

Ten minutes after El Kaabi’s debut as a substitute, the 74th minute saw the end of a trademark bicycle kick goal.

Morocco initially appeared to be struggling, but the tiny Comoros comfortably held them to a bay before the hosts’ superior firepower ensured victory.

After Iyad Mohamed awarded a soft penalty for a challenge on Diaz, the hosts could have been ahead as early as the eleventh minute. However, Soufiane Rahimi hit the spot kick straight down the middle, causing the ball to fall to safety after hitting goalkeeper Yannick Pandor’s knee.

However, they eventually overcame the opposition, as Diaz’s continued probing earned him honorable honors and El Kaabi’s goal kept a respectable score.

In the final moments as Diaz’s teammates began to tire, Pandor and his team made several other strong stops to keep the score at a close. Comoros did have a chance to equalize four minutes later, but Rafiki Said’s shot straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in their opening chance of the match was wasted.

Opening the “Difficult” game is challenging.

Walid Regragui, a coach for Morocco, said: “The opening game is always challenging, but we did well in the second half.” ⁠

Morocco’s winning streak is the longest in a national team history, reaching 19 victories in a row. They overcame Spain’s previous best of 15 set in 2008-2009 in October.

However, Romain Saiss, the captain’s captain, limped off after 18 minutes, leaving the field in tears. He had ankle surgery for the first half of the year, but he only returned to the national team last month after a year’s absence.