FIFA Arab Cup: Morocco in control against Comoros

Morocco kicked off Group B play at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup with a 3-1 victory over Comoros on Tuesday at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar.

Set piece excellence gave the Atlas Lions an early two-goal lead in a dominant first half that carried them to three points. The islanders fought back in the second half but the halftime deficit was far too great for Les Coelacanthes to overcome.

Inside five minutes the North Africans went ahead when central defender Soufiane Bouftini headed in from Oussama Tannane’s corner kick. Tannane, the attacker based with Qatari club Umm Salal, also set up the second goal in the 11th minute when he drove a low corner kick to find Tarik Tissoudali for a low shot.

The Atlas Lions confirmed a three-goal lead just before halftime when RS Berkane left back Hamza El Moussaoui’s cross found Karim El Berkaoui, who stooped low to head past Coelacanths goalkeeper Ali Ahamada.

The efficient and opportunistic performance from the Atlas Lions in the first half was enough in the end. Comoros performed better in the second half and pulled a goal back in the 56th minute when Housseine Zakouani’s cross went off Mohamed Boulacsout and into his own goal. But the island nation lacked the firepower to threaten the Atlas Lions’ winning position.

Morocco will face Oman in their second Group B match on Friday while Comoros face Saudi Arabia on the same day.