The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicked off with a tense and hard-fought encounter, as tournament favourites Morocco secured a narrow 2-1 victory over a resilient Comoros side. The match, played in a vibrant atmosphere, saw the Atlas Lions live up to their billing but not without a significant scare from the underdogs.
A First-Half Dominance Sees Morocco Take Control
From the opening whistle, Morocco asserted their technical superiority, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. The pressure told midway through the first half when a moment of individual brilliance broke the deadlock. Hakim Ziyech, the Chelsea playmaker, cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a powerful, curling left-footed strike that flew into the far corner, giving the Comoros goalkeeper no chance.
Morocco continued to press and doubled their lead before the interval. A swift passing move found Sofiane Boufal in space inside the box, and the winger made no mistake, slotting home calmly to give his side a commanding two-goal cushion at half-time. The scoreline reflected Morocco's dominance in the opening 45 minutes, with Comoros struggling to create any clear opportunities.
Comoros Fightback Sets Up a Nervy Finale
The second half, however, told a different story. Comoros emerged with renewed vigour and began to disrupt Morocco's rhythm. Their persistence was rewarded just after the hour mark. A hopeful ball into the box caused confusion in the Moroccan defence, and Youssouf M'Changama was quickest to react, poking the ball home from close range to halve the deficit.
The goal ignited the match and the Comoros supporters. Suddenly, Morocco looked vulnerable, and the underdogs poured forward in search of an equaliser. The Atlas Lions were forced to defend deeply and rely on counter-attacks, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making a crucial save to preserve the lead in the final ten minutes. Despite intense pressure, Morocco's defence, marshalled by the experienced Romain Saïss, held firm to see out a victory that was far more difficult than initially anticipated.
Implications for the Tournament Ahead
This opening result provides a clear warning for Morocco: while their quality is undeniable, they cannot afford any lapses in concentration against determined opposition. The three points are vital, but the performance highlighted areas for improvement. For Comoros, the display will be a source of immense pride. Pushing one of the continent's powerhouse teams so close proves they are not in the tournament merely to make up the numbers and will be a tough opponent for any side in their group.
The match sets the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco will look to build on this win and solidify their status as contenders, while Comoros must take the positives from their spirited second-half performance into their remaining fixtures.
