The African Cup of Nations 2025 kicks starts with host Morocco securing a 2–0 win versus Comoros, extending the hosts’ winning opening match four consecutive editions’ run.
Right from the start, the Atlas Lions kept the ball to themselves at a high rate, but for quite some time, they didn’t get their opening goal after wasting a chance at the very beginning. In the 11th minute, Soufiane Rahimi was unable to put the ball in the net from the spot, thanks to Yannick Pandor, the Comoros keeper, who made a terrific save to keep the score 0–0.
More than ever, Morocco’s vexation reached its highest level after their captain Romain Saïss was substituted due to an injury before the break, and, on the other hand, the hosts were denied in their second spot-kick appeal after a VAR check, thus Morocco remained without a goal at halftime.
The tie produced the first goal nine minutes into the second half. Noussair Mazraoui did an impressive run on the left side of the field, and his cross was trimmed in the box perfectly by Brahim Díaz, who showed no hesitation in scoring the first goal for Morocco.
Pandor was still on the roll and prevented Mazraoui from scoring in a quick counter-attack, yet in the 74th minute, Morocco “do” secured their victory with a classy move. The fans went completely mad when Ayoub El Kaabi, who was brought on in the second half, executed a beautiful bicycle kick and therefore joined the already impressive Moroccan goal-scorers list with a masterstroke early in the competition.
Up next is Mali for the home team, who are now on a nine-game unbeaten run at home, and a much stronger challenge awaits them. In the meantime, Comoros were able to keep up with their resilient stance in only their second appearance at AFCON, and therefore, they will go into their match against Zambia with a high level of confidence.
