CAN 2025: Morocco gets off to a perfect start in the tournament

21.12.25 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco

2

:

Comoros

0

It’s already a strong start for Morocco in this CAN 2025. The Atlas Lions tamed Comoros with authority.

With a clear goal to lift the trophy on January 18 in front of their home fans, Walid Regragui’s Morocco had to be wary on Sunday night of a Comoros team known for its talent and unpredictability. Under torrential rain, Madrid’s Brahim Diaz kicked off this highly anticipated clash. Despite dominating possession, things didn’t start perfectly for Morocco. Just 10 minutes in, Brahim won a penalty, but Soufiane Rahimi, usually a specialist from the spot, missed it completely (11’). Shortly after, captain Romain Saïss was forced off the pitch with an injury (19’).

At halftime, both teams went into the locker rooms with the score at 0-0, as the Moroccan crowd voiced their discontent. In the second half, Morocco seized on the first spaces Comoros left open to strike. While the teammates of former Auxerre player Youssouf M’Changama had decided to sit deep, they paid the price the moment their concentration slipped. Brahim Díaz broke the deadlock with a clinical finish after a fine assist from Mazraoui at the penalty spot (55’, 1-0).

This breakthrough goal brought a huge sigh of relief for the Moroccan side. The dominant Atlas Lions finally put the game to bed with a masterpiece from Ayoub El Kaabi. The Moroccan striker fired home a sensational bicycle kick that gave the Comoros goalkeeper no chance (75’, 2-0). 2-0, the final score. Morocco kicks off their CAN campaign with a win.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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Morocco

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations