Tournament hosts Morocco kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Comoros at a vibrant stadium in Rabat. The win, secured by a stunning late overhead kick, sets the tone for the continent's premier football competition.
Frustrating First Half for the Favourites
Despite being Africa's highest-ranked side at 11th in the FIFA world rankings, Morocco found the first half a frustrating affair. The Comoros defence held firm, and their resistance was epitomised by goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, who produced a superb penalty save to deny Moroccan forward Soufiane Rahimi and keep the scores level at the break.
Díaz and El Kaabi Break the Deadlock
The breakthrough finally came ten minutes after the restart. Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui provided a precise pass to find Real Madrid's Brahim Díaz in space inside the area. The unmarked striker made no mistake, sweeping the ball home from ten yards to give the hosts a deserved lead.
With Comoros pushing for an equaliser, Morocco sealed the three points in spectacular fashion with just 16 minutes remaining. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi connected perfectly with Anass Salah-Eddine's cross, executing a breathtaking overhead kick that flew into the net, sending the home crowd into raptures and ensuring a perfect start for the hosts.
A Statement Start for the Hosts
This opening victory provides a strong foundation for Morocco's Afcon ambitions. While they were tested by a resilient Comoros side, the quality of their goals, particularly El Kaabi's moment of brilliance, underscores their status as one of the tournament favourites. The win places them in a confident position as they look ahead to their remaining group stage fixtures.
