El Kaabi’s overhead kick grabs headlines as Morocco eases past Comoros in AFCON opener

Host Morocco began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Les Coelacantes of Comoros at Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday night.

The Atlas Lions were awarded a penalty inside the opening 10 minutes of the game after Brahim Diaz was brought down in the box by Iyad Mohamed.

Soufiane Rahimi stepped up to take the spot kick, but Yannick Pandor guessed correctly and denied the attacker from the spot.

Moments later, the hosts were dealt an injury blow as captain Romain Saiss came off with a hamstring issue and was replaced by Jawad El Yamiq.

Just past the half-hour mark, Nayef Aguerd saw his effort blast wide after he teed up with Diaz from a short free kick.

Minutes later, the Atlas Lions appealed for another penalty for a foul on Diaz in the area. After VAR review, referee Jean-Jacques waved away the appeals as the Real Madrid man handled the ball in the build-up.

Four minutes after the restart, Neil El Aynaoui almost gave the host the lead, but his effort from Anass Salah-Eddine’s cross went just wide.

In the 56th minute, Diaz broke the deadlock after Noussair Mazraoui found space and put it on a plate for the Madrid man to score from close range.

At the other end, Saïf Eddine Khaoui forced an error off Sofyan Amrabat and raced through on goal, but Yassine Bounou made a comfortable save to preserve Morocco’s lead.

Moments later, Pandor made a double save to keep Comoros in the game. First, Mazraoui’s long-range effort and El Aynaoui on the rebound.

In the 76th minute, Ayoub El Kaabi doubled the Atlas Lions’ advantage after he was picked out with a wonderful cross by Salah-Eddine, and the Olympiacos striker produced a spectacular overhead kick to match.

Ahmed Soilihi had a chance to score a consolation goal in the dying moments but put his effort wide, and Morocco secured their first victory in the competition.