Have you been waiting for the biggest football party in Africa to begin? (AFCON 2025) The wait is finally over! On Sunday, December 21, 2025, the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially kicked off in the beautiful city of Rabat. The host nation, Morocco, faced off against Comoros in a highly anticipated opening match.
As the sun set over the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, thousands of fans filled the stands with red and green. Everyone was excited to see if the “Atlas Lions” could start their journey toward a second title. In this article, we will look at how Morocco secured a 2-0 victory and why this win is so important for the tournament.
A Grand Opening Ceremony
Before the players even touched the ball, the stadium was alive with a spectacular opening ceremony. The show featured bright lights, traditional dancing, and a performance of the official tournament song. Famous artists like Angélique Kidjo and the rapper Lartiste helped set a joyful mood for the night. Even a bit of winter rain could not stop the celebrations from being truly “royal.”
In fact, Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were in attendance to witness the event. It was a perfect way to show the world that Morocco is ready to host a world-class competition. The energy in the air was electric as the fans waited for the whistle to blow.
A Frustrating Start for the Hosts
When the game finally began, Morocco looked like they were in a great hurry to score. Just ten minutes into the match, the “Atlas Lions” won a penalty after a foul on Brahim Diaz inside the box. Soufiane Rahimi, who was a star at the Paris Olympics, stepped up to take the shot. The crowd held its breath, expecting an early celebration.
However, Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a fantastic save with his legs to keep the ball out. This “missed opportunity” caused a lot of tension in the stadium. It felt like a “wrinkle” in the plan for a perfect start, and the fans became a little nervous.
More Bad Luck for Morocco
As if missing a penalty was not enough, Morocco faced another big problem early in the first half. Their captain and veteran defender, Romain Saiss, went down with a painful knee injury. He had to be replaced in the 19th minute, leaving the pitch in tears. This was a “bust” for the team’s defense, as Saiss is a very important leader.
Coach Walid Regragui had to make quick changes to keep the team steady. Despite these setbacks, the Moroccan players kept pushing forward and controlling the ball. But at half-time, the score was still 0-0, and Comoros was holding on very strong.
The Breakthrough from Brahim Diaz
After the break, the Moroccan team came out with a fresh plan and more determination. They finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute of the match. A great pass from Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui found its way to Brahim Diaz in the penalty area. The Real Madrid star showed his “world-class” skill by slotting the ball into the back of the net.
The stadium erupted in a raucous cheer as the fans celebrated the first goal of the tournament. This goal was a huge relief for the team and took away a lot of the pressure. It showed that even when things are difficult, the “Atlas Lions” have the talent to find a way.
A Moment of Magic from El Kaabi
While the first goal was about precision, the second goal was about pure magic. In the 74th minute, substitute Ayoub El Kaabi decided to steal the show. He met a high cross from the left side with a stunning acrobatic “bicycle kick.” The ball flew into the net before the goalkeeper could even move!
It was a “spectacular” strike that will surely be remembered as one of the best goals of the tournament. This goal sealed the 2-0 win and ensured that Morocco would walk away with all three points. El Kaabi proved that he is a “thug” on the field who can change a game in an instant.
A Brave Effort by Comoros
Even though they lost the game, the team from Comoros should be very proud of their performance. They are ranked 108th in the world, which is nearly 100 places below Morocco. Despite this gap, they defended with great discipline and “heart” for much of the match. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor was a hero for his team, making several big saves beyond the penalty.
They even had a chance to equalize when Rafiki Said broke through the defense, but Yassine “Bono” Bounou was there to stop him. Comoros proved that they are not just here by chance and will be a tough opponent for others in Group A.
Morocco’s Record-Breaking Run Continues
This victory was not just a great start to the AFCON; it also helped Morocco reach a massive milestone. The 2-0 win extended their world-record winning run to 19 consecutive matches. This is an incredible achievement that shows why they are the highest-ranked team in Africa. They have been preparing for this tournament for two years, and the results are starting to show.
Coach Regragui admitted that the game was difficult, but he was happy with how his players “managed the pressure.” This consistency is what makes Morocco one of the big favorites to win the whole competition in 2026.
The Impact on Group A Standings
With this win, Morocco takes the top spot in Group A with three points. They are now in a strong position before their next games against Mali and Zambia. Starting the tournament with a “clean sheet” and a win is exactly what the home crowd wanted.
It gives the team a lot of confidence as they look toward the tougher tests ahead. The final of the tournament is set for January 18, and Morocco hopes to be there at the very end. This “flying start” is just the first step on a long road toward African glory.
What Lies Ahead for the Atlas Lions?
The next big test for Morocco will be on Friday, December 26, when they face Mali. Mali is known for having a very strong midfield and will be a much harder challenge than Comoros. Coach Regragui will be hoping that his injured players, like Romain Saiss and Achraf Hakimi, can recover quickly.
Hakimi, who is the African Footballer of the Year, stayed on the bench for the first game to rest his ankle. Having a full squad will be vital if Morocco wants to keep their winning streak alive. The journey has just begun, and every game will be a battle for the hosts.
A Night to Remember in Rabat AFCON 2025
In conclusion, the opening match of AFCON 2025 was a night of celebration, magic, and historic football. Morocco overcame a “nervy” start and early setbacks to secure a well-deserved 2-0 win over a resilient Comoros side. From the opening ceremony to El Kaabi’s ridiculous bicycle kick, it was a dream start for the host nation. AFCON 2025
The “Atlas Lions” have shown that they are ready to fight for the title on their home soil. As the tournament moves to other cities like Agadir and Marrakech, the excitement will only continue to grow. We can’t wait to see which team will eventually lift the trophy in January! AFCON 2025
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