AFCON 2025 KICKS OFF IN STYLE: BRAHIM DÍAZ, EL KAABI FIRE MOROCCO PAST COMOROS IN OPENING NIGHT THRILLER

Host nation Morocco ignited the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in electrifying fashion on Sunday night, grinding out a spirited 2–0 victory over a stubborn Comoros side at the iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, as Africa’s biggest football fiesta roared to life.
Roared on by a sea of red and green, the Atlas Lions eventually turned dominance into goals after a tense first half, with Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz etching his name into the history books by scoring the first goal of AFCON 2025. The midfielder struck in the 55th minute with a cool, clinical finish inside the box, releasing the pent-up energy of the home crowd.
Just when Comoros looked determined to limit the damage, Ayoub El Kaabi produced a moment of sheer brilliance. In the 74th minute, the Olympiacos striker stunned the stadium with a spectacular bicycle kick, a goal already being tipped as a strong goal-of-the-tournament contender, as Morocco sealed the opening-night victory in emphatic style.
Earlier, the first half had tested the patience of the hosts. Despite near-total control of possession and wave after wave of attacks, Morocco were denied by a heroic Comoros goalkeeper, Youssouf Pandor, who pulled off a stunning save to keep out Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty, sending the teams into halftime goalless.
Comoros, featuring in just their second AFCON appearance, earned widespread admiration for their discipline, resilience, and tactical organization. Pandor stood tall with a series of crucial saves as the islanders absorbed relentless pressure, frustrating Morocco until quality finally told after the break.
The win extends a remarkable AFCON tradition, as no host nation has lost its opening match since Burkina Faso in 1998, reinforcing Morocco’s strong pedigree on home soil.
Currently ranked 11th in the world and Africa’s top-ranked team, Morocco are chasing their first continental title since 1976, and Sunday’s performance sent a clear message of intent to the rest of the continent.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations runs until January 18, 2026, featuring 24 nations competing across six host cities in Morocco. With the opening match concluded, Morocco sit top of Group A with three points, while Mali and Zambia prepare to clash in the group’s second fixture.
AFCON 2025 has begun — and Morocco have struck the first powerful blow. ⚽🔥