AFCON 2025: Morocco Start Campaign With Composed Win

Hosts Morocco opened the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Comoros in Rabat on Sunday. After a goalless first half, Brahim Diaz scored the tournament’s opening goal in the 55th minute, sweeping home after a pass from Noussair Mazraoui.

Comoros stayed stubborn and were kept in the game by goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, who saved a first-half penalty from Soufiane Rahimi and made several fine stops. Morocco suffered a setback when captain Romain Saiss was forced off injured before the break.

The hosts finally sealed victory in the 74th minute when substitute Ayoub El Kaabi produced a stunning overhead kick from Anass Salah-Eddine’s cross, delighting the home crowd at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on opening night.