Key Takeaways:
- Morocco defeated Comoros 2-0 in the first match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat
- Brahim Diaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi scored in the second half to secure victory for the hosts
- Morocco have now extended their national team record to 19 consecutive wins
Match Analysis: Morocco Overcome Early Pressure at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
Hosts Morocco kicked off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 triumph against Comoros on Sunday in Rabat, but the result belied a challenging evening for Walid Regragui’s side. Despite boasting a 97-place advantage in the world rankings over their opponents, Morocco delivered an unconvincing first-half performance under wet conditions and high expectations.
The opening stages saw Morocco squander a significant opportunity from the penalty spot in the 11th minute after Iyad Mohamed was adjudged to have fouled Brahim Diaz. Soufiane Rahimi’s effort lacked conviction, his shot down the middle rebounding off Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor’s knee and away from danger. Morocco maintained dominant possession throughout the half but were unable to convert their control into goals, going into the interval goalless.
Morocco get AFCON started with a 2-0 win over Comoros.
If that's a sign of what's to come… stay tuned in 🇲🇦💫 pic.twitter.com/QPy33k34YE
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 21, 2025
Second-Half Breakthrough and Clinical Finishing
After the break, Morocco’s persistence was eventually rewarded. In the 55th minute, Noussair Mazraoui kept the ball in play and squared a pass for Diaz, who slotted home calmly into the net to break the deadlock. Comoros responded with a rare opportunity just four minutes later as Rafiki Said tested Yassine Bounou, but the Morocco keeper was equal to the effort.
Ayoub El Kaabi was introduced as a substitute and made an immediate impact, scoring with a trademark bicycle kick in the 74th minute – only ten minutes after entering the pitch. The goal provided Morocco with breathing space and ensured that their superiority eventually told on the scoreboard. Comoros goalkeeper Pandor was called into action several more times as Morocco pressed for a third, but he produced a series of fine saves to keep the score respectable for his side as they tired in the closing stages.
| Date | Venue | Match | Goal Scorers | Key Events | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21.12 | Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat | Morocco v Comoros | Brahim Diaz (55’), Ayoub El Kaabi (74’) | Rahimi missed penalty (11’), Saiss injured (18’) | 2-0 |
Records, Injuries, and Looking Ahead
Morocco manager Walid Regragui remarked, “The opening game is always difficult, but we came good in the second half.” The result extended Morocco’s unprecedented winning streak at international level to 19 consecutive matches, eclipsing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
There was cause for concern as team captain Romain Saiss was forced off after just 18 minutes, visibly upset as he left the pitch due to injury. Having only recently returned after ankle surgery and a prolonged absence, Saiss’s availability for the remainder of the tournament now appears in doubt.
The competition continues on Monday with Group A rivals Mali and Zambia facing off in Casablanca. Meanwhile, Group B action will see Angola encounter South Africa in Marrakesh, while Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, meet Zimbabwe in Agadir.
