Hosts Morocco national football team shrugged off a sluggish start to defeat Comoros national football team 2–0 in their opening Group A match of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, climbing to the top of the group.
The Atlas Lions, clear favourites against a Comoros side ranked 108th in the world, were handed an early opportunity to settle nerves when they were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute. However, Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty-kick was superbly saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, keeping the contest level.
Morocco were dealt a further blow when captain Romain Saïss was forced off through injury, with Jawad El Yamiq coming on in his place.
Despite the disruption, the hosts gradually asserted control, dominating possession with close to 80 per cent of the ball and registering seven attempts before the break, but failing to find a way past a disciplined Comoros defence.
Coach Walid Regragui freshened his attack early in the second half, introducing Abde Ezzalzouli and Ayoub El Kaabi, and the changes quickly paid dividends.
In the 55th minute, Brahim Diaz broke the deadlock with a crisp right-footed finish after a precise assist from Noussair Mazraoui.
Comoros struggled to respond as Morocco tightened their grip on the game, and the victory was sealed in spectacular fashion 20 minutes from time.
El Kaabi, just moments after coming off the bench, produced an acrobatic left-footed bicycle kick to make it 2–0 and send the home crowd into raptures.
The win gives Morocco a perfect start to their AFCON 2025 campaign and places them in pole position in Group A.
The Atlas Lions will now turn their attention to their next fixture against the Mali national football team on Friday, December 26, as they look to build momentum on home soil.
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