In the AFCON 2025 opener, hosts Morocco claimed a 2-0 victory over Comoros in Rabat — extending their unprecedented run to 19 straight wins and signaling serious title ambitions in Africa’s premier football tournament.
RABAT, Morocco — 21 December 2025 (Updated 10:45 GMT) — Hosts Morocco opened the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, extending the national team’s world-record run of consecutive international wins to 19. The result, achieved in rainy conditions before a fervent home crowd, sets a confident tone for the Atlas Lions’ continental campaign.
Morocco, ranked Africa’s top national team in FIFA’s global standings, faced early resistance from Comoros — a side making only their second AFCON finals appearance. Despite dominating possession, the hosts went into halftime deadlocked after a missed penalty by Soufiane Rahimi, saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
In the second half, Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz broke the stalemate in the 55th minute, finishing a low cross from Noussair Mazraoui. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, electrifying the stadium and securing the commanding win.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui described the opening match as “always difficult for the host nation” and praised his side’s halftime adjustments after early pressure. CAF officials underscored Morocco’s blend of tactical discipline and individual talent as key to their historic streak.
Brahim Díaz, named Player of the Match, emphasized his pride in scoring the opener, while El Kaabi’s overhead kick drew admiration from peers and pundits across Africa.
Comoros' coach highlighted his team’s resilience and tactical discipline despite the gulf in ranking, lauding Pandor’s performance between the posts. Analysts caution that Morocco’s slow start exposed vulnerabilities that stronger Group A rivals could exploit.
The Atlas Lions’ 19-match winning streak — now the longest ever in international football — eclipsed the previous mark of 15 set by Spain in 2008–09. Morocco achieved this run,n including World Cup qualifiers, friendlies, and competitive fixtures leading up to AFCON.
The 2025 AFCON, hosted across nine cities in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, is the 35th edition of Africa’s premier international football tournament and a key showcase of the continent’s elite talent.
Morocco’s ambition extends beyond continental glory; the nation is positioning itself as a global football hub ahead of broader involvement in FIFA and CAF events through the next decade.
What’s Next
Morocco will next face Mali in Group A on 26 December 2025 in Rabat — a match viewed as the true test of the Atlas Lions’ credentials. Comoros will regroup to meet Zambia in Casablanca that same day. Group B action, featuring South Africa, Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe, continues the AFCON opening week narrative.
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