By Joseph Edeh, with Expert Analysis
Rabat, Dec. 22, 2025 – The 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicked off with a display of controlled dominance as the Atlas Lions of Morocco secured a professional 2-0 victory over a resilient Comoros side at a packed Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat. The result, while expected on paper, revealed the tactical blueprint of a Moroccan team with ambitions far beyond the group stage.
The match narrative was set early. In the 9th minute, Moroccan dynamo Soufiane Rahimi was felled in the box, only for Comoros’ goalkeeper Yannick Pandor to rise to the occasion with a crucial penalty save. This moment was a microcosm of AFCON’s drama: the favorite’s precision meeting the underdog’s defiant heart.
Morocco’s composure was tested further when captain and defensive stalwart Romain Saïss was forced off with an injury, replaced by Jawad El Yamiq. Yet, the hosts’ system, a hallmark of coach Walid Regragui’s tenure, absorbed the blow without faltering. They exerted suffocating control, ending the match with 75% possession—a statistic that speaks less to sterile domination and more to a deliberate strategy to smother Comoros’ counter-attacking threat before it could materialize.
The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute. A fluid move, emblematic of Morocco’s technical quality, was finished by Brahim Díaz, who coolly converted an assist from the marauding full-back Noussair Mazraoui. The goal relieved the palpable tension in the stadium and underscored the value of having world-class talent integrated into a cohesive national team structure.
Comoros, to their credit, refused to capitulate and sought an equalizer. However, Morocco sealed the three points in the 74th minute through substitute El Kaabi, demonstrating the depth and clinical edge that separates contenders from participants. Coming off the bench to score is a vital asset in tournament football, where squad rotation is key.
Context & Significance: This match was more than a simple opener. Morocco, ranked 11th globally and Africa’s top team, entered as one of the tournament favorites, carrying the dual burden of host nation and a nation expecting a deep run after their historic 2022 World Cup semifinal appearance. For Comoros (ranked 108th), it was another brave step onto the continent’s biggest stage, facing a familiar foe; the two sides also met in the group stage of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, with Morocco winning 2-0. The historical record now reads four meetings, three Moroccan wins, and one draw.
Group A Implications: The victory immediately places Morocco atop Group A. Their next fixture against Mali on Friday will be a stern test and likely decide the group winner. For Comoros, their campaign now hinges on a crucial encounter with Zambia on Thursday, where a positive result is essential for knockout stage hopes.
A Grand Opening: The tournament’s inauguration was a spectacle, witnessed by 60,180 spectators, including the Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The vibrant atmosphere confirmed Rabat’s readiness to host a continent-wide celebration of football.
Looking Ahead: As the focus shifts to Group B on Monday, where heavyweights Egypt face Zimbabwe and South Africa take on Angola, Morocco’s efficient start serves as a benchmark. They demonstrated the patience, tactical discipline, and squad depth required to navigate a marathon tournament. For the other contenders, the message from Rabat was clear: the Atlas Lions are here to hunt.
(Edited and expanded by Emmanuel Yashim with strategic analysis)
