Morocco opened their AFCON 2025 campaign with a calm but demanding 2 to 0 win over Comoros in Rabat. The scoreline suggested comfort, but the night tested the hosts in front of a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. It was a win built on patience, control, and key moments of quality.
Morocco took charge from the first whistle. They dominated the ball and pushed Comoros deep into their own half. Space was limited, and early chances were rare.
Comoros showed they were not in Rabat to admire the occasion. Selemani threatened inside five minutes after a loose touch in the Moroccan box. It was a sharp reminder that tournament football punishes mistakes.
The hosts thought they had control when Brahim Díaz won an early penalty. Yannick Pandor saved Soufiane Rahimi’s effort, and the stadium fell quiet. That miss brought tension and urgency into Morocco’s play.
Walid Regragui’s side kept probing with crosses and set pieces. Ismaël Saibari went close with a header, while Azzedine Ounahi tested Pandor from range. The rhythm broke again when captain Romain Saïss left the pitch injured.
At half time, Morocco were frustrated despite their dominance. Comoros defended with discipline and belief. The crowd sensed the game needed a spark.
That spark arrived ten minutes into the second half. Noussair Mazraoui drove low from the left, and Brahim Díaz timed his run to perfection. His composed finish lifted the weight from Moroccan shoulders.
With the lead secured, Morocco played with more freedom. Gaps began to open as Comoros chased the game. The atmosphere shifted from tension to expectation.
The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute. Ayoub El Kaabi met a delivery from Salah Eddine with an overhead kick of pure instinct. It was a goal that sealed the points and ignited the stadium.
Morocco then slowed the game with control and maturity. Comoros fought to the end but created only half chances. The final whistle confirmed an efficient start from a tournament favourite.
Comoros coach Stefano Cusin said, “We were solid defensively. But in this kind of game, when opportunity knocks, you have to take it.” Regragui added, “At half time, I wasn’t very satisfied with the team, and we spoke to put certain adjustments in place.”
Morocco now sit top of Group A. It was not spectacular, but it was the kind of win champions need.
