Morocco Kick Off AFCON 2025 with Statement Win Over Comoros. Casablanca, Morocco — December 22, 2025 The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially commenced in Morocco with the host nation making a resounding start to their campaign.
In a rain — soaked encounter at Rabat’s newly opened Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco defeated Comoros 2-0, with Ayoub El Kaabi scoring a spectacular overhead kick to secure the victory.
The Atlas Lions’opener was a modest affair outside the stadium, with fans more concerned with finding shelter from the downpour than celebrating.
However, El Kaabi’s goal provided a highlight that would be remembered by those who braved the weather. “
A spectacular bicycle kick, honestly.
Incredible, “exclaimed an elated supporter. “You don’t see many goals like that.
El Kaabi, thank you very much.
That was special.”El Kaabi’s acrobatic finish capped Morocco’s dominance and sealed the three points in their AFCON Group Stage opener, as reported by Africanews correspondent Karim Baldé from the pitchside.
Captain Romain Saiss emphasized that while the win was crucial, there was still room for improvement. “.
Not everything was perfect. But it’s a first match, “Saiss. “
We’ll work, recover, analyse this game and then turn our focus to the second match against Mali.”.
Comoros, for their part, frustrated Morocco for much of the first half, thanks largely to an excellent performance from goalkeeper Yannick Pandor. He made five crucial saves to keep his team in the contest. “
These saves will hopefully count later on in terms of goal difference, “Pandor. “.
But there are regrets, of course.
In the end, we leave defeated. We try to give everything.”.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino promised a historic AFCON in Morocco, hailing the opening ceremony at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex as a spectacular show in a stunning setting.
Moroccan football analyst AbdelAziz Bineej spoke to Africanews, expressing confidence in Morocco’s readiness to host a memorable tournament. “Morocco deserves to be one of the best national teams in the world, “he. “.
Being ranked 10th or 11th in the FIFA rankings is a great honour.
They deserve it, so now they have to prove it in the Africa Cup.”With Morocco entering AFCON 2025 as Africa’s highest-ranked team, expectations are high.
The former Moroccan international believes the team can handle the pressure and emerge victorious. “Morocco, of course, “he replied. “But with respect for all other countries and all other opponents.
They are welcome in Morocco; all are welcome with their crowds, and everybody is welcome to see this beautiful country.”
As the opening whistle blew and the hosts got off to a flying start, AFCON 2025 is now fully underway. Morocco have set the tone as early favourites, but the coming weeks will reveal whether they can sustain their form and lift the trophy on January 17.
