Hosts Morocco began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2–0 victory over Comoros in Rabat, as goals from Brahim Díaz and a spectacular overhead kick by Ayoub El Kaabi sealed a winning start in the tournament opener.
Despite entering the match as clear favourites, the Atlas Lions were made to work for the result by a resilient Comoros side. After a goalless first half, Díaz broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, finishing from close range after Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross found him unmarked in the area. The Real Madrid forward had been Morocco’s top scorer during qualifying and proved decisive once again.
Substitute El Kaabi wrapped up the win 20 minutes later in stunning fashion, spinning in front of goal to connect with Anass Salah-Eddine’s lofted delivery and firing an acrobatic overhead kick beyond goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Morocco dominated possession throughout, enjoying 66 per cent of the ball and largely restricting Comoros to counter-attacking opportunities. However, frustration briefly surfaced after Soufiane Rahimi saw his first-half penalty saved by Pandor following a VAR review that confirmed a foul on Díaz in the box.
The hosts also suffered an early setback when experienced defender Romain Saïss was forced off with injury after just 13 minutes. Head coach Walid Regragui later said the defender felt discomfort behind his knee and would undergo further assessment.
The atmosphere at the 68,700-seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was charged, with a capacity crowd welcoming Prince Moulay Hassan before kick-off and celebrating captain Achraf Hakimi, who was presented with the CAF African Footballer of the Year award. Hakimi did not start as he continues to recover from an ankle injury, with Mazraoui deputising at right-back and playing a key role in attack.
Comoros had moments of encouragement, including a disallowed effort when Rafiki Said rounded goalkeeper Yassine Bounou before being flagged offside, while Faiz Selamani impressed as the visitors gradually settled into the contest. Pandor redeemed his early nerves with several fine saves, including a double stop shortly after the hour mark.
El Kaabi’s late goal removed any lingering doubt, ensuring Morocco began their title quest on a positive note. The hosts next face Mali on Boxing Day in Rabat, while Comoros will seek their first points against Zambia on 26 December in Casablanca. Mali and Zambia meet on Monday in the other Group A fixture.
The match came a day after CAF confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations will move to a four-year cycle. Regragui welcomed the change, saying it would elevate the competition’s stature and help drive the growth of African football.
