Morocco launched the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday evening, marking the beginning of Africa’s premier football tournament.
Themomentng reports that Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a composed finish inside the box, scoring the first goal of the tournament and igniting the passionate home crowd.
Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the victory in the 74th minute with a spectacular bicycle kick, delivering a goal-of-the-tournament contender that sent the stadium into raptures.
The opening 45 minutes proved frustrating for the Atlas Lions despite their territorial dominance. Morocco missed a crucial penalty through Soufiane Rahimi, with Comoros goalkeeper Pandor making a brilliant save to keep his side level at halftime. The hosts controlled possession and created multiple chances but struggled to convert their superiority into goals.
The island nation, appearing in only their second AFCON tournament, demonstrated remarkable defensive organization throughout the match.
Goalkeeper Pandor proved instrumental with several crucial saves, keeping Comoros competitive despite Morocco’s attacking onslaught. The visitors absorbed sustained pressure but ultimately couldn’t contain Morocco’s quality in the second half.
The victory maintains an impressive streak for AFCON hosts as no host nation has lost its opening match since Burkina Faso in 1998.
Morocco, ranked 11th globally and the highest-rated African nation, are seeking their first continental title since 1976.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continues through January 18, 2026, with 24 nations competing across six host cities in Morocco.
After the opening match, Morocco leads Group A with three points. The group also includes Mali and Zambia, who will face each other in the second match of the tournament.
