AFCON 2025: Morocco See Off Resilient Comoros to Open Campaign with 2–0 Win

Zakaria Aboukhlal of Morocco challenged by Kassim Mdahoma of Comoros during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Afcon Finals football match between Morocco and Comoros at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on 14 January 2022 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Morocco began their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign with a composed 2–0 victory over a stubborn Comoros side on Sunday night at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.

After a goalless first half in which Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor emerged as the standout performer, most notably saving Soufiane Rahimi’s 11th-minute penalty, the Atlas Lions eventually broke the resistance following the restart.

Brahim Díaz gave Morocco the breakthrough in the 55th minute, finishing calmly from close range after a well-worked move involving Noussair Mazraoui.

The goal settled Moroccan nerves after a first half that saw them dominate possession but struggle for cutting edge.

Comoros remained disciplined and even threatened sporadically, with Rafiki Saïd and Youssouf M’Changama testing Morocco’s defensive concentration. However, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was equal to the task whenever called upon.

Morocco sealed the result in the 74th minute when substitute Ayoub El Kaabi struck from inside the box, converting Anass Salah-Eddine’s assist to make it 2–0 and effectively end Comoros’ hopes of a comeback.

Despite the scoreline, Comoros can take encouragement from their defensive organization and Pandor’s performance, which kept the match competitive deep into the second half.

The win places Morocco in a strong position early in the group, while Comoros will look to bounce back in their next fixture as the tournament gathers pace.

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