Hosts Morocco began their AFCON 2025 campaign with a nervy 2-0 win over Comoros in rainy Rabat. Despite an early chance, Morocco missed a penalty when Soufiane Rahimi’s spot-kick was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The deadlock was broken 10 minutes into the second half when Brahim Diaz was left unmarked to finish Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross. The 60,180-strong crowd at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium erupted as Morocco finally took control. Comoros had moments of threat, with Rafiki Said’s effort denied by Yassine Bounou and Mazraoui seeing a shot saved.
Morocco sealed the win late when substitute Ayoub El Kaabi scored a stunning overhead kick. The victory came despite missing captain Achraf Hakimi, who was on the bench with an ankle injury, and losing centre-back Romain Saiss early in the game.
The three points extended Morocco’s world-record winning streak to 19 matches. Their next challenge will be against Mali on Friday. Meanwhile, other Group A and B games are set for Monday, with Zambia facing Mali, and Egypt taking on South Africa.
