Morocco scored twice in the second half to defeat the Comoros 2-0 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener on Sunday night at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium.

In the group A match, the hosts missed a penalty in the first half but eased the nerves with two well-taken goals from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi, sending the full audience into frenzy mode.

Both teams went into halftime without a goal, despite Morocco having more than 70% of the ball. The hosts were on the verge of receiving a second penalty kick, but a VAR review rejected the allegation.

Neil El Aynaoui could only reach the side-netting from an enticing cross as Morocco applied more pressure at the start of the second stanza.

Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross into the area was finally blasted into the net by Diaz, giving Morocco a 1-0 lead and leaving Pandor with little chance.

After the score, Comoros momentarily posed a danger when Yassine Bounou stopped an equaliser from point blank range with his extended feet.

However, Morocco answered with three opportunities: Jawad El Yamiq’s rebound was turned away, Mazraoui’s low effort was saved, and Azzedine Ounahi’s shot was blocked.

After 74 minutes, the Atlas Lions extended their lead thanks to a goal that might win them the title. After a lofted cross, El Kaabi delivered an incredible overhead kick, and the ball arrowed into the net to cap off a spectacular evening in Rabat.

Morocco’s most recent victory is their fourth in five games, meaning they have never lost to Comoros.