Morocco Start AFCON 2025 in Style with Dominant Victory Over Comoros
Tournament hosts Morocco made a confident start to their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign after defeating Comoros in the opening match of the competition. Goals from Brahim DÃaz and Ayoub El Kaabi sealed a deserved victory, giving the Atlas Lions an early boost as they pursue continental glory on home soil.
The match, played on Sunday, December 21, 2025, marked the official kickoff of AFCON 2025, a tournament scheduled to run until January 18, 2026. For Morocco, the opening fixture was not only about securing three points but also about setting the tone for a competition in which expectations are exceptionally high.
Fast Start from the Hosts
From the opening whistle, Morocco showed clear intent. Roared on by a passionate home crowd, Walid Regragui’s side pressed aggressively, dominated possession, and pushed Comoros deep into their own half.
Their early pressure paid dividends within the first ten minutes when Brahim DÃaz was brought down inside the penalty area. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, awarding Morocco an early opportunity to take the lead.
Soufiane Rahimi stepped up to take the penalty, but Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor produced an outstanding save, diving low to deny the forward and momentarily silence the Moroccan supporters. The missed penalty, however, did little to slow the hosts’ momentum.
Morocco Waste Chances, Comoros Hold Firm
Despite controlling the game, Morocco struggled to convert their dominance into goals during the first half. They created numerous chances through quick passing, overlapping fullbacks, and intelligent movement in the final third.
Just before halftime, DÃaz delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, finding Neil El Aynaoui in space. The midfielder struck the ball first time, but his effort narrowly missed the target, summing up Morocco’s frustration in front of goal.
Comoros, meanwhile, adopted a disciplined defensive approach. They absorbed pressure, stayed compact, and looked to exploit rare counterattacking opportunities. Their resilience paid off as the first half ended goalless, raising hopes of a potential upset.
Second-Half Breakthrough
Morocco emerged from the break with renewed intensity, determined to avoid any early complications in the tournament. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 55th minute following a well-worked move down the right flank.
Noussair Mazraoui delivered a precise cross into the box, and Brahim DÃaz timed his run perfectly to meet the ball and fire it into the net. The goal lifted the stadium and visibly relieved the Moroccan players, who had been growing increasingly anxious.
For DÃaz, the goal was particularly significant. The Real Madrid midfielder has been a key figure in Morocco’s recent rise on the international stage, and his composure in the decisive moment highlighted his importance to the team.
Comoros Show Brief Resistance
Comoros nearly responded immediately. Just three minutes after conceding, Rafiki Saïd Ahamada broke through the Moroccan defense and found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The Comoros forward attempted a delicate chip, but Bounou read the situation perfectly and gathered the ball calmly.
That chance represented Comoros’ best opportunity of the match and served as a brief reminder that Morocco could not afford complacency. Still, the hosts quickly regained control and continued to press for a second goal.
El Kaabi Seals the Win
As the match entered its final stages, Morocco increased the tempo once again. In the 74th minute, a beautifully delivered cross found Ayoub El Kaabi inside the penalty area. The striker reacted instinctively, throwing himself at the ball to direct it past the goalkeeper and into the net.
The goal effectively ended the contest, confirming Morocco’s superiority and extinguishing any lingering hopes of a Comoros comeback.
El Kaabi’s strike was another reminder of his knack for scoring in crucial moments, reinforcing his role as one of Morocco’s most reliable attacking options.
Statement of Intent from the Hosts
The final whistle confirmed a deserved victory for Morocco, who began their AFCON 2025 journey with confidence and authority. Beyond the scoreline, the performance sent a clear message to the rest of the continent: the hosts are serious contenders for the title.
Morocco’s blend of technical quality, tactical discipline, and attacking depth makes them one of the most balanced teams in the tournament. Their ability to control games, even when chances are missed, could prove decisive as the competition progresses.
What This Win Means for AFCON 2025
Opening matches are often tricky, especially for host nations burdened with expectation. By overcoming early nerves and maintaining composure after a missed penalty, Morocco demonstrated maturity and mental strength qualities essential for tournament success.
The victory also gives Regragui flexibility heading into the next group matches, allowing him to rotate players if needed while maintaining momentum.
Tournament Continues
AFCON 2025 action continues on Monday, December 22, with Mali facing Zambia at 4:00 PM, followed by South Africa hosting Angola in the evening. Later that night, Egypt will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe, adding further excitement to the early stages of the tournament.
As the competition unfolds, all eyes will remain on Morocco, whose opening performance has positioned them as one of the early favorites to lift the trophy on January 18, 2026.
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