Ankara: Hosts Morocco opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a 2-0 victory over Comoros on Sunday after a tense encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
According to Ghana News Agency, an official crowd of 60,180 watched as the Atlas Lions overcame a stubborn Comoros side following a sparkling opening ceremony that set the stage for the continents biggest football showpiece.
Morocco missed an early chance to take control when Congolese referee Jessie Obed Nkounkou awarded a penalty in the 10th minute, but Souafine Rahimis effort was saved, heightening the tension in the stadium.
Comoros absorbed relentless pressure in the first half and nearly stunned the hosts late on through forward Faiz Selamani, but the attempt was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Both teams went into the break scoreless, with Comoros proving difficult to break down. The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute in the second half when Ibrahim Diaz fired home a right-foot strike to give Morocco the lead.
Comoros responded with intent, and Rafiki Said Ahamada forced a fine save from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to keep the hosts ahead. Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Marc Ahmed produced a double save to deny Morocco a second, but Ayoub El Kaabis spectacular bicycle kick later sent the stadium into raptures as the hosts doubled their advantage.
Despite trailing 2-0, Comoros remained adventurous on the counterattack, but Moroccos defense held firm to secure three points and a winning start to the tournament. The other Group A fixture between Mali and Zambia would be played later on Monday at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.