Morocco Afcon Win: El Kaabi Scores to Seal Host Victory

Published: 22 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Morocco began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Comoros in Rabat. The hosts faced an unexpectedly resilient Comoros side, who defended resolutely despite being 97 places lower in world rankings. The match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium saw Morocco struggle to convert possession into goals, leaving fans anxious during the first half.

A missed penalty early in the match exemplified Morocco’s early struggles, with Soufiane Rahimi’s attempt striking goalkeeper Yannick Pandor and looping away harmlessly. Despite dominating possession, Morocco remained goalless at halftime as Comoros executed disciplined defensive work. The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Noussair Mazraoui prevented the ball from leaving play and delivered a precise pass for Brahim Díaz to slot home.

The tension eased further in the 74th minute when substitute Ayoub El Kaabi produced a spectacular bicycle kick, cementing Morocco’s victory and demonstrating their attacking talent. The goal drew applause from fans as it showcased Morocco’s technical prowess and finishing ability, highlighting El Kaabi’s growing importance to the squad.

Comoros did not merely defend; they created opportunities, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou shortly after Díaz’s goal. Despite this, Morocco’s superior quality eventually dictated the match’s outcome. The hosts’ coach, Walid Regragui, acknowledged the difficulty of opening games but praised his team’s second-half performance, noting the record-breaking 19 successive wins achieved by Morocco’s national side.

However, Morocco’s optimism was tempered by an injury to captain Romain Saïss, who left the field after 18 minutes in visible distress. Saïss’s early substitution raised concerns, as he only recently returned from a year-long absence following ankle surgery. His leadership will be vital for Morocco as the tournament progresses, and the team will hope for his swift recovery.

Throughout the match, Morocco demonstrated resilience, adapting to Comoros’s disciplined defensive setup. The hosts’ ability to break down the resistance highlighted the depth and versatility within their squad. While the result satisfied expectations, the team’s performance underscored the challenges that even highly ranked teams face in tournament football.

Looking ahead, Morocco will need to address defensive lapses and ensure their key players remain fit. The victory over Comoros provides a platform to build confidence, but upcoming fixtures will test the team’s cohesion and ability to perform under pressure. Fans will expect a more commanding display in the group stages, particularly given Morocco’s status as tournament hosts and their strong international ranking.

In summary, Morocco’s 2-0 win over Comoros was marked by an early penalty miss, a first-half stalemate, and decisive second-half goals from Díaz and El Kaabi. The hosts extended their unbeaten streak while managing a nervous start, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of tournament football. Injuries and performance inconsistencies remain areas for concern as Morocco seeks success on home soil.