Rabat, Morocco
Tournament hosts and title favourites Morocco have kicked off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 victory over Comoros, extending their world-record winning streak to 19 matches. Second-half goals from Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz and a sensational overhead kick from Ayoub El Kaabi ensured the Atlas Lions avoided an opening-night upset on a rain-soaked evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The victory, played out before a capacity crowd of over 60,000, places Morocco at the top of Group A ahead of upcoming fixtures against Mali and Zambia. Despite a frustrating first half that saw Soufiane Rahimi miss a penalty, the 11th-ranked team in the world eventually broke down the resilient Comoros defence to justify their status as Africa’s top-ranked side.
First-Half Frustration
The hosts looked set for a dominant start when playmaker Brahim Diaz was tripped inside the box just 10 minutes into the match. However, Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor produced a brilliant save with his legs to deny Soufiane Rahimi from the spot.
Comoros, ranked 108th in the world, spent much of the first half thwarting the Moroccan attack, which was missing star full-back Achraf Hakimi. The Paris Saint-Germain defender remained on the bench as a precaution following a recent ankle injury, while veteran centre-back Romain Saiss was forced off early with an apparent injury, adding to coach Walid Regragui’s defensive concerns.
Diaz Breaks the Deadlock, El Kaabi Lights Up Rabat
The breakthrough finally arrived 10 minutes after the interval. Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui, standing in for Hakimi at right-back, squared the ball for Brahim Diaz to fire home from inside the area.
The highlight of the night came late in the second half when substitute Ayoub El Kaabi met an Anass Salah-Eddine cross with a magnificent bicycle kick that flew past Pandor. The goal sent the home crowd, which included Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, into raptures.
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