Morocco beat Comoros 2–0 on Sunday evening at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, launching their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a vital opening victory. Goals from Ibrahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half ensured a winning start for the Atlas Lions, despite an early missed penalty and a resilient display from the visitors.
Lively start and early setback
The host nation began the match with clear intent, driven forward by passionate home support. Morocco dominated possession from the opening minutes and attempted to stretch the Comoros defense through wide play, particularly on the right flank.
An early opportunity arrived when Ibrahim Diaz won a penalty after being brought down inside the area. However, Soufiane Rahimi failed to capitalize, sending his spot-kick wide in the 11th minute and missing a golden chance to give Morocco an early advantage.
Despite the setback, Morocco maintained their attacking momentum. Crosses from Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui caused moments of concern, while Nayef Aguerd remained alert to halt Comoros counter-attacks.
Saiss’ injury disrupts the rhythm
Morocco suffered an unexpected blow in the 14th minute when captain Romain Saiss was forced off through injury. Jawad El Yamiq replaced him shortly after, as Saiss left the pitch visibly emotional following a heavy defensive challenge.
The disruption briefly affected Morocco’s flow, and Comoros almost took advantage when goalkeeper Yassine Bounou misjudged a clearance, forcing the defense to intervene urgently. Nevertheless, the Atlas Lions quickly regained control.
Pressure without reward before halftime
The remainder of the first half saw sustained Moroccan pressure against a compact and disciplined Comoros defense. Attempts from Azzedine Ounahi and Ibrahim Diaz went close, while appeals for another penalty were dismissed after a VAR review confirmed no infringement.
Despite dominating territory and possession, Morocco went into halftime level, with frustration growing after several promising attacks failed to produce a breakthrough.
Diaz breaks the deadlock
Morocco emerged strongly after the interval, increasing the tempo and pushing more bodies forward. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 56th minute when Ibrahim Diaz met a precise cross and calmly finished to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Comoros responded with determination and nearly equalized, but Bounou produced an excellent save to preserve Morocco’s advantage. Walid Regragui then turned to his bench, introducing fresh attacking options to maintain pressure.
El Kaabi seals the win
The decisive moment came in the 75th minute. Ayoub El Kaabi rose confidently to convert a well-delivered cross, doubling Morocco’s lead and effectively settling the contest.
With the result secured, Morocco managed the closing stages professionally. Further substitutions slowed the tempo, and Comoros were unable to create any late danger as the match drew to a close.
The result confirms that Morocco beat Comoros to claim their first three points, setting a positive tone for the rest of the group stage. With Mali and Zambia yet to play, the Atlas Lions have laid down an early marker as they pursue continental success on home soil.
