Comoros coach Cusin concedes Morocco defeat in AFCON opener

Comoros national team head coach Stefano Cusin conceded defeat after losing 2-0 against hosts Morocco in their opening fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.

Second-half goals from Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi were enough to settle a contest that proved far more demanding than the scoreline suggested, as the hosts were forced to remain patient against a resilient Comorian side determined to spoil the party.

The Atlas Lions thought they had an early breakthrough when Díaz burst into the area and won a penalty, but Yannick Pandor guessed correctly to deny Soufiane Rahimi from the spot.

Morocco scored their first goal when a cross from Noussair Mazraoui found Diaz inside the area, and he scored with a first time effort. Before substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the emphatic win with an acrobatic overhead kick that left the goalkeeper rooted to the ground.

Comoros have to accept defeat against ‘great’ Morocco

“We were solid defensively. But in this kind of game, when opportunity knocks, you have to take it. The team showed a good face, and Comorians can be proud of their country,” Cusin told CAFOnline.com after the game.

“We can’t say we played badly because conceded two goals. Had Rafiki score to make it 1-1, the scenario could have been different. Morocco are a great team; we have to accept defeat against such a side.”

The Island nation will need to recover and win their next two matches against Mali, and Zambia if they are to make it past the group stage.