The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations got under way on Sunday with hosts Morocco edging Comoros 2–0 in a competitive opening match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The victory marked a successful start for Morocco’s campaign to capture their second continental title and followed widespread enthusiasm as the tournament was officially launched amid rainy conditions in the Moroccan capital.
Nervy start before breakthrough
Morocco struggled to find rhythm in the first half despite early pressure. The Atlas Lions were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute after Comoros defender Iyad Mohamed fouled Brahim Diaz in the box. However, Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor produced a strong save with his left knee to deny Soufiane Rahimi from the spot.
Comoros, the underdogs from the Indian Ocean, defended deep and frustrated the hosts in the opening stages, forcing Morocco to work hard for their opportunities.
The breakthrough came early in the second half, when Brahim Diaz — left unmarked close to goal — met a low cross from Noussair Mazraoui and guided it home to deserved applause from the crowd of 60,180 supporters.
The tempo of the match lifted as both sides sought to press for control. Comoros forward Rafiki Said tested Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who made a crucial save, while Pandor also denied a powerful effort from Mazraoui.
Late goal puts the result beyond doubt
Morocco put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages when substitute Ayoub El Kaabi scored with a spectacular overhead kick, sealing a 2–0 win and ensuring the hosts lived up to expectations in their opening Group A fixture.
The win also extended Morocco’s unbeaten run to 19 matches, a record for the national team.
Injuries and squad context
Morocco’s captain Achraf Hakimi did not feature after sustaining an ankle injury in early November while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, and began the game on the bench. Centre-back Romain Saiss was forced off with an early injury, presenting additional challenges for coach Walid Regragui.
Looking ahead
The Atlas Lions now face Mali in their second Group A match on Friday at 20:00 GMT, a more demanding test ahead of potential knockout stages.
Across other groups, Zambia and Comoros meet in another Group A fixture on Monday, while Egypt and South Africa will launch their respective campaigns in Group B.
AFCON’s growing stage
The 2025 tournament, which begins amid changes including a shift to a four-year cycle from 2028, arrives at a time of heightened investment in football infrastructure in Morocco. The country has hosted recent major events, including the last two Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, and is poised to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Morocco, Africa’s top ranked side following their historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, have placed significant emphasis on football development, aiming to secure their first AFCON title since 1976.
Regragui acknowledged the pressure of playing at home, saying his team must build on Sunday’s result to stay on track for continental success.
Morocco’s narrow but important victory over Comoros sets the stage for a thrilling and competitive AFCON 2025 across venues in the host nation.