The Atlas Lions defeated the Coelacanths of the Comoro Islands 2–0 in a completely packed Moulay Abdellah Complex, in Rabat, extending their winning streak to 19 consecutive victories and setting thus a new record. Walid Regragui’s men began this Africa Cup of Nations in the best possible way.
The national football team defeated their Comorian counterparts 2–0 on Sunday, December 21, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, in the opening matchday of Group A of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In full control, the Atlas Lions largely dominated their opponents in the first half and wasted no time settling into the match. Unfortunately, they missed a golden opportunity in the 10th minute when Soufiane Rahimi failed to convert a penalty kick won by Brahim Diaz.
Maintaining their high pressing, Regragui’s men came up against a team committed to ultra-defensive football, though the Comorians did attempt counterattacks without posing any real danger to goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The Coelacanths, well organized, especially in midfield, made life difficult for the Moroccan attackers.
Meanwhile, Romain Saïss, injured, was replaced by Jawad El Yamiq in the 19th minute. This substitution did not affect the flow of the match, as the Atlas Lions continued to dominate territorially, albeit without success. But it was only a matter of time. Following a fine team move and a perfectly weighted pass from Mazraoui, Diaz opened the scoring in the 55th minute.
Looking to inject fresh energy into his squad, Coach Regragui made two changes, bringing on Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Ayoub El Kaabi in replacement of Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi in the 64th minute. The substitutions paid off, as El Kaabi doubled the lead with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute.
Afterwards, Brahim Diaz made way for Youssef En-Nesyri, while Ismaël Saibari was replaced by Bilal El Khannouss. The national team then played with renewed freshness, continuously launching attacks in an effort to increase the scoreline.
In the end, despite numerous attempts by the Atlas Lions, the score remained unchanged. All the more significant was the display of great solidity and unwavering determination shown by Bounou’s teammates to secure the victory.
In their second match, the Atlas lions will face Mali on Dec.26.
Crown Prince Moulay Hassan had presided over the opening ceremony on the evening of Dec 21 at Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, marking the formal kickoff of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
