Mazraoui Steps In as Morocco Open AFCON With Controlled Win
Morocco began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a composed 2–0 victory over Comoros, easing past stubborn opposition despite the absence of Achraf Hakimi, who remained on the bench as he continues his recovery from injury.
Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi provided the goals at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, ensuring the tournament hosts claimed a winning start even after Soufiane Rahimi saw an early penalty saved. The result maintained momentum for Walid Regragui’s side, who dominated territory and chances throughout the contest.
The key selection call came at right-back, where Noussair Mazraoui was preferred ahead of the returning Hakimi. The Manchester United defender justified that decision by supplying the assist for Díaz’s 55th-minute opener, offering control and technical quality down the flank.
Hakimi had been tipped for a possible return after seven weeks out following a serious left ankle sprain suffered in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. However, Morocco’s staff opted against taking any risks, prioritising his availability for the latter stages of the tournament.
The atmosphere in Rabat reflected both expectation and patience. Morocco started with measured intensity, circulating the ball quickly and pushing their fullbacks high, with Mazraoui and Anass Salah-Eddine stretching Comoros from the opening exchanges.
Comoros defended deep and relied on quick transitions, but Morocco’s midfield control limited clear chances. The first major incident arrived before the break when Rahimi failed to convert from the spot, briefly lifting belief among the underdogs.
After halftime, Morocco sharpened their tempo. Díaz broke the deadlock midway through the second half, arriving calmly to finish after Mazraoui’s well-timed delivery from the right, a move that underlined Morocco’s width and patience.
Sixteen minutes from time, El Kaabi sealed the result with a spectacular overhead kick, turning in Salah-Eddine’s cross to deliver one of the early highlights of the tournament and remove any lingering doubt.
The second half also showcased Morocco’s depth, with both fullbacks creating overloads and combining to produce four key chances between them, more than any other players on the pitch.
As the game closed out, Morocco managed possession professionally, drawing energy from the home crowd while avoiding unnecessary physical risks, particularly with Hakimi’s fitness still being carefully monitored.
The victory places Morocco firmly on track in Group A ahead of a tougher test against Mali on December 26, before a final group match against Zambia three days later. With Hakimi expected to feature at some point in the tournament, Regragui now faces encouraging selection decisions as Morocco continue their pursuit of continental success.