Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Comoros on Sunday, as goals from Brahim Diaz and a spectacular Ayoub El Kaabi overhead kick sealed a winning start for the tournament favourites, though not without resistance from a spirited Comoran side.
After dominating possession but struggling to break down stubborn opponents, Morocco finally found the breakthrough 10 minutes into the second half.
Diaz, who had been the Atlas Lions’ leading scorer during qualifying, arrived unmarked in the box to tap home Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross in the 55th minute.
Substitute El Kaabi ensured the points were secured 20 minutes later in breathtaking fashion, spinning inside the penalty area to connect with Anass Salah-Eddine’s lofted delivery and acrobatically firing an overhead kick past an outstanding Yannick Pandor in goal.
Despite enjoying 66 percent of possession and largely restricting Comoros to counterattacking opportunities, Morocco’s patience was tested early on, particularly after Soufiane Rahimi squandered a first-half penalty.
Pandor redeemed an early mistake when he saved Rahimi’s spot-kick with his knees following a VAR review that confirmed a foul on Diaz inside the box.
The opening ceremony atmosphere was electric at the 68,700-capacity Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, with Prince Moulay Hassan, heir to the Moroccan throne, receiving a warm reception as he greeted players before kickoff.
Captain Achraf Hakimi was also honoured after being presented with the CAF African Footballer of the Year award he won last month.
Hakimi, however, was left out of the starting lineup by head coach Walid Regragui as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury sustained in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on November 4. Mazraoui deputised at right-back and played a key role, particularly as Morocco focused their attacks down the flanks.
Mazraoui’s presence came amid a well-publicised club-versus-country dispute involving Manchester United, which had escalated to FIFA intervention, though on the pitch he proved influential in stretching Comoros’ compact defensive shape.
Morocco suffered an early blow when veteran centre-back Romain Saïss was forced off in the 13th minute after clutching his hamstring. Regragui later offered an update, saying, “He felt something behind his knee but we don’t know if it is muscular or something else. We hope it’s not too serious and that we can get him back later.”
Comoros showed flashes of danger, particularly through Rafiki Said, who had a goal disallowed for offside after rounding goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the 19th minute. Faiz Selamani also impressed as the underdogs grew into the contest following Pandor’s penalty save.
Frustration crept into Morocco’s performance before the interval, with Rahimi frequently involved in physical tussles and Regragui visibly animated on the touchline.
Supporters’ impatience was evident as lasers were occasionally directed at Comoros players and referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala. A late first-half VAR check for another potential penalty was overturned after Diaz was judged to have handled the ball earlier in the move.
Diaz eventually made his mark early in the second half, initiating the move that ended with Sofyan Amrabat’s lofted pass finding Mazraoui, whose delivery was calmly finished by the Real Madrid forward.
Comoros nearly hit back moments later when Said slipped past Jawad El Yamiq, but Bounou raced off his line to smother the danger. Pandor continued his strong showing with a fine double save shortly after the hour, denying the lively Ismael Saibari.
El Kaabi, introduced in the 65th minute, put the result beyond doubt 11 minutes later with a moment of brilliance that underlined his value to Regragui’s squad.
Group A action continues on Monday when Mali face Zambia in Casablanca. Morocco will meet Mali in Rabat on Boxing Day as they target early qualification, while Comoros will look to bounce back against Zambia on December 26.
Off the pitch, the tournament took a historic turn following confirmation that AFCON will shift to a four-year cycle to align with FIFA’s calendar. Regragui welcomed the move, stating,”The AFCON every four years will be an event nobody wants to miss. What I want is to see African football grow.”
