Hosts Morocco began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign assuredly, defeating Comoros 2–0 in the tournament’s opening match in Rabat. Second-half goals from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the victory, extending Morocco’s world-record winning streak to 19 consecutive matches and underlining their status as Africa’s top-ranked team.
The opening fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations is rarely straightforward for the host nation, and Morocco felt that pressure early on. Despite dominating possession, the Atlas Lions were frustrated in the first half, most notably when Soufiane Rahimi saw his 10th-minute penalty saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Played in front of 60,180 spectators at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the match carried a ceremonial weight. Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and FIFA president Gianni Infantino were among those in attendance, heightening the sense of occasion on a cold, rain-soaked night in the capital.
Morocco’s breakthrough finally arrived ten minutes after the restart. With captain Achraf Hakimi rested as a precaution following an ankle injury, Noussair Mazraoui stepped in at right-back and made an immediate impact. The Manchester United defender collected the ball inside the area and squared it perfectly for Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz, who finished calmly to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Comoros, ranked 108th in the world, showed resilience and even threatened an equaliser when Rafiki Said broke through on goal, only to be denied. That momentary scare was short-lived. As spaces opened up, Morocco asserted their superiority, and the highlight of the night followed.
Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi, currently plying his trade with Olympiakos, produced a moment of pure brilliance. Meeting Anass Salah-Eddine’s cross from the left, El Kaabi launched himself into a stunning overhead bicycle kick that flew past Pandor, sparking celebrations around the stadium and effectively ending the contest.
After the match, head coach Walid Regragui acknowledged the pressure of opening the tournament. He noted that the performance was controlled rather than spectacular, stressing that the priority was securing three points rather than peaking too early in the competition.
Morocco now turns their attention to sterner tests in Group A, with Mali and Zambia awaiting. Their next fixture, against Mali on Friday, is expected to provide a more precise measure of their title credentials.
Elsewhere in the tournament, attention shifts to Group B, where Egypt — led by Mohamed Salah and chasing a first title since 2010 — begin their campaign against Zimbabwe. This edition of the Cup of Nations is also notable for spanning two calendar years, with the final scheduled for January 18 in Rabat.
For Morocco, though, the message from the opening night was clear: the hosts are composed, confident, and very much ready for the challenge ahead.