Morocco are supposed to be one of the favorites to win AFCON 2025. They are playing at home. They have world class players at Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich. And yet, for 55 minutes against tiny Comoros, they could not score a single goal.
The hosts eventually won 2-0 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, but this was far from a comfortable night. Morocco missed a penalty, lost their captain to injury, and needed second-half goals from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi to finally put the game away.
It was a reminder that tournament soccer is never easy, no matter how big the gap looks on paper.
Rahimi Misses Early Penalty
Morocco had the perfect chance to settle their nerves in the 11th minute. Iyad Mohamed fouled Brahim Diaz inside the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. It looked like a soft call, but Morocco were not complaining.
Soufiane Rahimi stepped up to take the kick. The Al-Ain striker had been in fantastic form, but his penalty was poor. He hit it straight down the middle, and Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor saved it with his knee.
The crowd groaned. Morocco had wasted their best chance, and suddenly the pressure was on.
Saiss Injury Worries Morocco
Just seven minutes later, disaster struck. Captain Romain Saiss went down clutching his leg and had to be helped off the field in tears. The defender had only just returned to action last month after spending a year on the sidelines following ankle surgery.
Seeing their captain leave the field so early was a huge blow for Morocco. Saiss is one of their most experienced players and a leader at the back. His injury will be a major concern heading into the rest of the tournament.
Coach Walid Regragui will be hoping it is nothing serious.
Brahim Diaz Breaks the Deadlock
The first half ended 0-0, and the home fans were getting restless. Morocco had all the possession but could not find a way through. Comoros, ranked 97 places below their opponents, were defending brilliantly.
But in the 55th minute, Morocco finally found the breakthrough. Noussair Mazraoui chased down a ball near the touchline that looked like it was going out of play. The Bayern Munich fullback kept it in and squared it across the box.
Brahim Diaz was waiting at the far post. The Real Madrid midfielder sidefooted the ball home first time, and Morocco had their goal. The stadium erupted with relief as much as celebration.
El Kaabi Seals It With Stunning Bicycle Kick
With the pressure off, Morocco started playing with more freedom. And in the 74th minute, substitute Ayoub El Kaabi produced a moment of magic.
A cross came into the box, and El Kaabi, who had only been on the field for 10 minutes, launched himself into the air. He connected perfectly with a bicycle kick, sending the ball into the back of the net.
It was a stunning goal, the kind that gets replayed over and over again. The crowd went wild, and Morocco could finally relax.
World Record Winning Streak Extended
The 2-0 victory meant Morocco extended their world record winning streak to 19 consecutive matches. They passed Spain’s previous record of 15 straight wins, which was set between 2008 and 2009.
It is an incredible run that shows just how good this Morocco team has become. They reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African nation ever to get that far. Now they want to add AFCON glory on home soil.
But coach Regragui knows there is work to do. His team created plenty of chances but wasted too many of them. Against better opponents, that will cost them.
What This Means Going Forward
Morocco got the three points, and that is all that matters in the opening game. But the performance will give Regragui plenty to think about.
The Saiss injury is the biggest concern. Losing your captain in the first game of the tournament is never good, and Morocco will need him if they want to go all the way.
Comoros can be proud of their effort. Goalkeeper Pandor was excellent, making several saves to keep the score respectable. They showed that they belong at this level, even if they did not get a result.
Morocco play Mali next in what should be a much tougher test. If they play like they did against Comoros, the Eagles of Mali will punish them.
