The Moroccan national football team got off to a perfect start in the Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Comoros 2–0 in the opening match played on Sunday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, thanks in particular to a stunning goal by Ayoub El Kaabi.
The Moroccan national football team got off to a perfect start in the Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Comoros 2–0 in the opening match played on Sunday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, thanks in particular to a stunning goal by Ayoub El Kaabi.
Considered clear favorites on paper well before kickoff, the Atlas Lions lived up to expectations. In a packed stadium, however, they struggled for a long time to break down a match that remained locked against the Cœlacanths.
By fielding Mazraoui on the right flank instead of Achraf Hakimi, who started on the bench, and Soufiane Rahimi as the central striker, national coach Walid Regragui opted for an attacking approach, while applying intense pressure on the ball carrier.
As early as the 10th minute, Brahim Diaz showcased his technical quality in tight spaces and was brought down inside the penalty area. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Soufiane Rahimi stepped up, chose to shoot down the middle, but saw his effort saved by Pandor.
The game then became more closed. Sitting deep with a compact defensive block, the Comorians managed to repel Moroccan attacks while remaining dangerous on the counter.
In the 19th minute, captain Romain Saïss left the pitch in tears due to a physical issue and was replaced by Jawad El Yamiq.
Despite this setback, Regragui’s men continued to circulate the ball from left to right, searching for solutions to stretch the tightly organized Comorian defense.
In the 42nd minute, Diaz was once again challenged inside the penalty area, but after consulting VAR, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala decided not to award a penalty.
At the start of the second half, the Moroccans looked for spaces in search of the opening goal. In the 48th minute, Anass Salah-Eddine delivered a perfectly weighted cross to the near post. Neil El Aynaoui met it, but his attempt narrowly missed the crossbar.
After sustained pressure, the Atlas Lions finally broke the deadlock.
Mazraoui beat his marker and crossed to the penalty spot for Brahim Diaz, who calmly pushed the ball into the back of the net in the 55th minute.
Moments later, Morocco nearly conceded, but Rafiki Saïd’s left-footed shot was saved by Bounou.
Morocco then took full control of the match, creating numerous chances in search of a second goal.
Having just come on to replace Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi produced a moment of brilliance with a spectacular acrobatic overhead kick from a perfectly delivered cross by Salah-Eddine in the 74th minute.
Thanks to this victory, Morocco (3 points) temporarily takes the lead in Group A.
The second match of the group will see Mali face Zambia on Monday at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca.
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