Morocco Kick Off AFCON 2025 With Statement Win as El Kaabi Lights Up Rabat

Hosts Morocco opened their Africa Cup of Nations campaign confidently on Sunday night, defeating Comoros 2–0 in front of a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to underline their status as tournament favourites.

Second-half goals from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi finally broke down stubborn resistance from the visitors after a frustrating opening 45 minutes, as the Atlas Lions shook off early nerves to secure all three points in Group A.

The opening game of the tournament had the feel of an occasion long before kick-off, with over 60,000 fans in attendance and Morocco’s Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and FIFA president Gianni Infantino watching from the stands. Yet despite the buzz, Comoros proved far from ceremonial opponents.

Morocco dominated possession early on and were handed a golden chance to take the lead inside 10 minutes when Diaz was brought down in the box. Soufiane Rahimi stepped up, but Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor produced a strong save with his legs to keep the scores level, silencing the home crowd and giving the underdogs belief.

The miss seemed to weigh on Morocco as Comoros stayed compact and disciplined, frustrating the hosts through the remainder of the first half. Coach Walid Regragui, opting to rest captain Achraf Hakimi following his recent ankle injury, watched his side struggle to convert control into clear chances.

Second-Half Breakthrough and Record-Breaking Run

That tension finally eased 10 minutes after the restart. Noussair Mazraoui, deployed at right-back, advanced into the area and squared the ball perfectly for Diaz, who finished calmly to spark celebrations in Rabat.

With the breakthrough secured, spaces began to open up. Comoros even threatened briefly when Rafiki Said raced through on goal, only to be denied, before Morocco regained control and pushed for a second to kill the contest.

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That moment arrived in spectacular fashion. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi met a left-wing delivery from Anass Salah-Eddine with an acrobatic overhead kick that flew past Pandor, drawing gasps from the crowd and sealing the result in style.

Beyond the scoreline, the win carried added significance. The victory extended Morocco’s remarkable unbeaten run to 19 consecutive matches, a world record, while also reinforcing their position as Africa’s highest-ranked side, currently sitting 11th in the FIFA rankings.

Morocco now turn their attention to tougher tests ahead, with Group A clashes against Mali and Zambia looming. For Comoros, despite the defeat, their disciplined display suggested they may yet have a say in how the group unfolds.

AFCON 2025, which concludes in Rabat on January 18, has only just begun, but the hosts have already made it clear they intend to be at the centre of it.