Morocco kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a 2-0 victory over Comoros on Tuesday, extending their impressive winning streak to a world-record 19 consecutive matches. Goals from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi secured the win for the host nation in Rabat, setting a positive tone for their Group A ambitions. The opening day of the tournament also saw Zambia and Mali play to a 1-1 draw.
The match, played before a crowd of 60,180 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, saw Morocco dominate possession but initially struggle to break down a resilient Comoros side. Despite a missed penalty in the first half, the Atlas Lions found their breakthrough after the interval, ultimately controlling the match and securing a comfortable win. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was among those in attendance.
Morocco’s AFCON Victory and Record-Breaking Run
Brahim Diaz opened the scoring in the 55th minute, capitalizing on a square ball from Noussair Mazraoui. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi then added a spectacular second with an overhead kick, sealing the victory for Morocco. This win not only marks a successful start to their AFCON journey but also extends their remarkable run of consecutive victories.
First-Half Frustrations
Morocco were awarded a penalty just 10 minutes into the game when Diaz was fouled. However, Soufiane Rahimi’s spot-kick was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros, ranked 108th in the world, successfully frustrated Morocco’s attacking efforts for the remainder of the first half, despite the host nation’s dominance in possession.
Additionally, Morocco suffered an early setback with veteran centre-back Romain Saiss being forced off with an injury. Coach Walid Regragui also opted to rest captain Achraf Hakimi, who has been recovering from an ankle injury, keeping him on the bench for the entirety of the match.
Zambia and Mali Share the Points
Meanwhile, in Casablanca, Zambia secured a late 1-1 draw against Mali. Leicester City striker Patson Daka scored a dramatic injury-time header to earn a point for the Chipolopolo. Mali had taken the lead through Lassine Sinayoko in the 62nd minute, but were unable to hold on for the win.
The match also featured a missed penalty for Mali, with El Bilal Toure’s attempt saved by Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza. The game was closely contested, with both teams creating opportunities, but ultimately ending in a share of the spoils. This result adds complexity to Group A, with all four teams now having played their opening matches.
Morocco’s next challenge in Group A will be against Mali on Friday. The team will be looking to continue their winning form and solidify their position at the top of the group. The performance of Achraf Hakimi, and his potential return to the starting lineup, will be a key factor to watch. The AFCON tournament continues with further group stage matches throughout the week, and the competition is expected to intensify as teams vie for a place in the knockout stages.
The outcome of the remaining group stage matches will determine the qualification scenarios, and the performance of key players like Brahim Diaz and Patson Daka will be crucial for their respective nations. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring the results and assessing the tactical approaches of each team as the tournament progresses.
