Second-half strikes from Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi ensured the Atlas Lions lived up to their billing as favorites, delighting a sell-out crowd of over 60,000 fans, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan.
A Frustrating First Half
Despite the festive atmosphere in Rabat, the home side endured a nervy opening 45 minutes. Morocco were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 11th minute when Brahim Díaz was brought down in the box by Iyad Mohamed. However, Olympic star Soufiane Rahimi saw his low penalty kick heroically parried away by the outstretched leg of Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Adding to the tension, Morocco lost veteran captain Romain Saïss to injury just 18 minutes into the match. The center-back left the field in tears, sparking concerns over his further involvement in the tournament.
The Breakthrough
Walid Regragui’s side returned from the interval with renewed intensity. The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute when Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui drove to the byline and delivered a pinpoint cut-back. Díaz, unmarked near the penalty spot, calmly side-footed the ball into the net to score the first goal of the 35th edition of AFCON.
Comoros nearly found a shock equalizer minutes later through Rafiki Saïd, but Morocco’s Yassine Bounou stood firm to maintain the clean sheet.
El Kaabi’s Moment of Magic
In the 74th minute, substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the three points with a moment of individual brilliance. Meeting a cross from Anass Salah-Eddine, the Olympiakos forward executed a stunning overhead bicycle kick that flew past Pandor, sending the home supporters into raptures and providing an early contender for "Goal of the Tournament."
Record-Breaking Run
The 2-0 victory marks Morocco’s 19th consecutive international win, extending their world-record streak. While coach Regragui opted to keep star defender Achraf Hakimi on the bench to manage his fitness, the depth of the squad proved sufficient to dismantle a stubborn Comoros defense.
Morocco now sits top of Group A and will face Mali on Boxing Day, while Comoros prepares for a crucial encounter against Zambia.