Morocco’s Atlas Lions celebrate their opening victory at Stade Moulay Abdellah, Rabat.
From the opening whistle to the final minute, Moroccan supporters filled the stands of the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat with constant cheers, expressing their unwavering support for the national team during its victory over Comoros in the opening match of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations.
This victory crowned a festive day celebrating the return of the continental football tournament to Morocco, which last hosted the competition in 1988. Players and fans alike shared the same ambition: moving forward together in the hope of winning a second continental title and putting an end to decades of waiting.
The Atlas Lions secured a 2–0 win, taking an important first step toward qualification for the knockout stage. They are set to face Mali on Friday and Zambia the following Monday in Group A. Head coach Walid Regragui had anticipated a special moment on Moroccan soil, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed confidence that this edition of the tournament would be the most successful in its history.
From the opening whistle to the final minute, the stands of the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat echoed with the passionate cheers of Moroccan supporters, who offered unwavering support to their national team during their victory over Comoros in the opening match of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations. The fans shared a collective moment of joy as Morocco successfully launched its campaign in a tournament held on home soil.
This festive atmosphere marked the return of Africa’s premier football competition to the Kingdom, which last hosted the event in 1988. Supporters and players alike expressed their determination to pursue a second continental title, hoping to put an end to decades of waiting. The Atlas Lions secured a 2–0 win, taking an important first step toward the knockout stage ahead of upcoming group matches against Mali on Friday and Zambia on Monday.
Head coach Walid Regragui had anticipated a memorable occasion, predicting the day before the match that it would be “a great day on our soil.” His optimism was echoed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who described this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations as potentially the best in the competition’s history.
Dressed in red, Moroccan fans filled the stadium early in the day and gathered in large numbers at the sports complex, which also houses a global football museum inaugurated last September. The opening ceremony, rich in cultural, heritage, and sporting performances, officially welcomed the African continent to Morocco. The launch of the tournament was announced by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, in the presence of Crown Prince Moulay Hassan.
Before kickoff, the Crown Prince personally greeted the players on the pitch, a gesture that further energized the crowd. The match then began under light winter rain, officiated by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala.
Morocco quickly imposed its dominance, maintaining near-total possession and building attacks patiently, while Comoros focused on defensive resistance. Under constant pressure, the Comorian defense struggled to contain the Moroccan forwards. In the 10th minute, defender Iyad Mohamed committed a foul on Brahim Díaz just outside the penalty area, resulting in a clear penalty. However, goalkeeper Salim Ben Boina denied Sofiane Rahimi from the spot, temporarily keeping his team in the game.
The Atlas Lions suffered a setback in the 18th minute when captain Romain Saïss was forced off due to injury and replaced by Jawad El Yamiq. Despite maintaining control of the match, Morocco initially lacked efficiency in the final third. Youssef En-Nesyri came close to opening the scoring in the 26th minute, narrowly missing the target after a cross from Anas Salah Eddine.
As the match progressed, Morocco’s early dominance gradually declined, with a slight drop in intensity and control. A moment of controversy arose when Brahim Díaz broke into the Comorian defense and went down in the box, prompting a VAR review. The decision was overturned after it was confirmed that Díaz had handled the ball beforehand, leaving the score unchanged.
The first half ended in a goalless draw, a result that drew whistles from the crowd, clearly urging the team to react after the break.
Morocco responded early in the second half, with En-Nesyri narrowly missing the target in the 49th minute. The pressure continued, and in the 55th minute, a well-constructed move involving Ounahi and Amrabat allowed Rahimi to set up Brahim Díaz, who calmly opened the scoring.
Although Comoros attempted a few counter-attacks, Morocco maintained firm control of the game. The sustained pressure paid off again in the 74th minute when substitute Ayoub El Kaabi doubled the lead.
Coach Walid Regragui then made several changes, introducing fresh players to manage the match and give others playing time. Morocco thus secured a confident opening victory, marking a successful start to their tournament campaign.
