Advertisement

Morocco slay Comoros to get off to winning start

rugby21 December 2025 21:11| © AFP
Share

Morocco secured a 2-0 victory over Comoros in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) group A match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night.

Therefore, the tournament hosts got off to a winning start, and the victory placed them at the top of the standings. The Atlas Lions, who are under Walid Regragui, will be looking to move one step closer to securing their spot in the round of 16 with a victory over Mali at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on 26 December.

Advertisement

The Coelacanths, on the other hand, will be disappointed after starting their Group A campaign with a defeat, having conceded two second-half goals. Coach Stefano Cusin will be determined to ensure that Comoros return to winning ways when they face Zambia at the Mohamed V Stadium on 26 December.

The Atlas Lions took charge of the match from the first minute, with Brahim Diaz being a thorn in the Coelacanths' defence. Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute after Diaz was fouled in the opposition's box, but Soufiane Rahimi was superbly denied by goalkeeper Yannick Pandor from the spot-kick.

Diaz continued to create problems for the Comoros backline after the restart. The Real Madrid playmaker went down in the opposition's box again in the 42nd minute, but referee Jean-Jacques Ndala indicated that he would not award another penalty after a VAR check, and the score was 0-0 at halftime.

Pressure continued to mount on Comoros after the restart, and they finally conceded 10 minutes into the second half. Diaz got a well-deserved goal when he beat Pandor from close range to hand the hosts a 1-0 lead, much to the delight of the Moroccan fans inside the stadium, with Noussair Mazraoui providing the assist.

---- NIGERIA ONLY ----

Morocco's 2-0 victory over Comoros was sealed by Ayoub El Kaabi, who proved to be an inspired substitute. The Olympiacos striker scored with a sublime acrobatic finish after connecting well with Anass Salah-Eddine's cross in the 74th minute, and the North African giants deservedly emerged victorious on the night.

Morocco (0) 2 (Diaz 55', El Kaabi 74')

Comoros 0

MOROCCO: Bono; Salah-Eddine, Aguerd, Saiss (El Yamiq 19'), Mazraoui; Ounahi (Ezzalzouli 64'), Amrabat, Diaz (En Nesyri 76'); El Aynaoui, Rahimi (El Kaabi 65'), Saibari (Masina 76')

COMOROS: Pandor; Kari (Abdallah 67'), Soilhi, Toibibou (M'Dahoma 79'), Boura; Z. Youssouf (Bourhane 79'), B. Youssouf (Bakari 67'), Mohamed, Selemani; Said, M’Changama (Maolida 82').

Advertisement