Atlas Lions recover from early penalty miss to secure opening victory in rainy Rabat
Morocco began their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a tense but important 2-0 victory over Comoros in the tournament opener played in heavy rain in Rabat.
The hosts missed a golden chance to take an early lead when Soufiane Rahimi failed to convert a penalty in the 11th minute after Brahim Diaz was fouled in the box. Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor blocked the spot kick with his knee, keeping the scores level.
Comoros stayed compact and disciplined, frustrating Morocco for much of the first half. The breakthrough finally came 10 minutes into the second half when Diaz was left unmarked inside the box and calmly finished Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross.
The goal lifted the mood inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with the majority of the 60,180 fans urging the hosts forward. Comoros responded with more intent, forcing Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into a sharp save, while Pandor again denied Mazraoui at the other end.
Morocco sealed the win in the 75th minute through substitute Ayoub El Kaabi, who scored with an acrobatic overhead kick that is already being talked about as a potential goal of the tournament.
The victory came despite Morocco missing captain Achraf Hakimi, who was only fit enough for the bench after an ankle injury, and losing defender Romain Saiss early in the match.
The result extended Morocco’s record winning run to 19 matches, but tougher tests lie ahead. The Atlas Lions face Mali next on Friday in what is expected to be a more demanding encounter.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Zambia face West African opposition in Group A, while Egypt and South Africa begin their Group B campaigns on Monday.
As hosts and one of the tournament favourites, Morocco will be relieved to have avoided an opening-day upset, even if the performance showed there is still work to do.
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