AFCON 2025 hosts Morocco kicked off their tournament campaign with a hard-fought 2–0 victory over Comoros, overcoming a stubborn defensive display
After an imperious opening ceremony, the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, a theatre of 65,000 roaring fans, played host to an exciting, high-octane first-half encounter. This match was between AFCON 2025 hosts Morocco and Comoros in the opening game of the tournament.
Just eleven minutes into the first half, Yannick Pandor gave an early glimpse of the exceptional night he was set to have for Comoros. Standing tall between the sticks, the goalkeeper produced a huge penalty save. This denied Soufiane Rahimi and momentarily silenced the home crowd.
True to their game plan, Comoros packed the bus. They had ten men sitting deep inside their box and allowed the star-studded Moroccan side to dominate possession.
Stubborn Comoros resistance finally broken after relentless Moroccan pressure
Morocco enjoyed 79.3% of the ball to Comoros’. Despite their control, they could not find a way through the Comorian wall.
The resistance held firm, and both sides went into the break locked at 0–0.
Morocco emerged for the second half with all guns blazing. Their pressure finally paid off in the 55th minute. AFCON 2025 qualifiers top scorer and Real Madrid striker, Ibrahim Díaz opened the scoring, finishing from close range. He met Noussair Mazraoui’s low driven cross from the right.
The move was sparked by Fenerbahçe midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, whose pass initiated the attack.
The goal appeared to jolt Comoros into life. Four minutes later, Rafiki Saïd led a swift counterattack. He carried the ball through the Moroccan defence and into the six-yard box before firing a low drive. This went straight at Yassine Bounou, who reacted sharply to keep Morocco ahead.
Morocco continued to threaten, and in the 74th minute, the moment arrived as a goal of the tournament contender. Ayoub El Kaabi combined with Anass Salah-Eddine, who lofted a teasing ball into the box. This came from the left side of the Comoros defence.
El Kaabi met it with a sensational overhead kick, doubling the Atlas Lions’ advantage.
Despite the scoreline, it was a valiant effort from Comoros. They continued to probe for a way back into the game.
Yannick Pandor remained imperious, producing a string of saves between the 82nd and 90th minute to deny Morocco further goals.
It was a worthy opening night to the AFCON 2025 tournament. Comoros, though defensively set up in the first half, were eventually broken down by a star-studded Moroccan side. This performance offered a clear glimpse of what is to come in the competition.
