The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations got off to a winning start for the host nation as Morocco defeated Comoros 2–0 at a rain-soaked Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, delivering the opening statement of the tournament in front of a packed and vibrant crowd.
From the opening whistle, Morocco set the tempo. Possession, territory, and attacking intent belonged firmly to the Atlas Lions, who pushed Comoros deep into their own half and immediately began probing for an early breakthrough. The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric despite a heavy downpour, with supporters fully embracing the occasion as AFCON returned to Moroccan soil.
The first major moment arrived inside the opening ten minutes when Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Díaz went down in the box. However, the Real Madrid attacker was denied from the spot, the Comoros goalkeeper reading his effort perfectly to keep the score level and briefly silence the home crowd. The miss only added to Morocco’s frustration as wave after wave of attacks followed, with Ismael Saibari, Nayef Aguerd, and Brahim all going close.
Comoros, for their part, remained disciplined and compact. Defenders cleared ball after ball under sustained pressure, while their deep block limited Morocco to half-chances and set pieces. The first half also brought controversy, as VAR intervened twice in penalty-related incidents, overturning one decision after a lengthy review and adding to a sense of tension as the match remained goalless at the break.
Morocco returned for the second half with renewed urgency, determined not to allow frustration to creep into their AFCON opener. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 55th minute. Persistence paid off when Brahim found space inside the box and finished calmly with his right foot, scoring the first goal of AFCON 2025 and unleashing celebrations around the stadium.
That goal changed the rhythm of the contest. Forced to chase the game, Comoros began to push higher up the pitch and, for the first time, managed to spend meaningful periods outside their own half. Their willingness to attack created a few promising situations and offered encouragement ahead of their upcoming group matches, but it also left gaps at the back.
Morocco briefly dropped their defensive line and allowed Comoros some breathing room, yet the hosts always looked capable of striking again. The decisive moment arrived in spectacular fashion in the 75th minute. Ayoub El Kaabi produced a moment of pure brilliance, launching himself into a perfect bicycle kick that flew beyond the helpless goalkeeper and into the net, sealing the win and igniting the stands.
Heavy rain returned in the closing stages, but nothing could dampen the celebratory mood. Morocco managed the final minutes with composure, controlling possession and seeing out the match as stoppage time ticked away.
At full time, the hosts could reflect on a professional opening-night performance. It was not flawless, but it was authoritative when it mattered. Morocco take an early step toward their AFCON ambitions, while Comoros leave encouraged by their resilience and flashes of promise despite defeat.
