Morocco, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 hosts, kicked off their campaign to win a second African title with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the opener of the tournament on Sunday 21 December, 2025 in the city of Rabat.
The Atlas Lions wasted a beautiful chance to go in front in the 11th minute from the penalty spot after Iyad Mohamed fouled on Brahim Diaz in the box, however, Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor got his left knee to stop Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty kick.
After a first half that finished without a goal, ten (10) minutes into the second half, B. Diaz opened the scoring after being left unmarked near the penalty spot to sweep home Noussair Mazraoui’s low ball across the box.
Real Madrid star, Diaz’s goal was met with a thunderous celebration right inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi scored the second goal for Morocco to seal the win in the 74th minute with a bicycle kick; the goal made it safe for the Morocco as they delivered victory to fans.
Morocco clinched the win in the absence of Captain and Paris Saint-Germaine (PSG) defender, Achraf Hakimi, where his fitness was just for the bench after he suffered an ankle injury featuring for Luis Enrique’s Les Parisiens in a Uefa Champions League game in early November.
The clean sheet also means Morocco have successfully extended their world record run of consecutive victories to 19.
Next, Morocco will slug it out in a tougher showdown against Mali on Friday.
Photo: Ayoub El Kaabi scores for Morocco with a bicycle kick | Getty Images
