AFCON 2025: Reigning CAF POTY Hakimi reacts to Morocco’s strong start

Current CAF African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi was full of praise as Morocco began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over Comoros.

The Atlas Lions dominated proceedings, overcoming a disciplined Comoros defence to secure all three points in their opening match.

From the opening whistle, Morocco controlled the game, but Comoros’ disciplined defensive setup initially kept the hosts at bay.

Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute after a foul in the box, and Sofiane Rahimi stepped up, only for Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor to make a crucial save. Despite the early miss, Morocco continued to dominate, restricting their opponents to no shots on target in the first half.

An injury to captain Romain Sais forced coach Walid Regragui to bring on Jawad El Yamiq, but Morocco’s momentum was undisturbed.

The tournament’s opening ceremony had also set a lively tone, featuring a colorful display of Moroccan and African heritage, with performances from Davido, French Montana, and RedOne, and a ceremonial kick-off by Moroccan crown prince Moulay Hassan.

Morocco’s breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Sofyan Amrabat’s lobbed pass to Noussair Mazraoui found Brahim Diaz, who calmly finished to open the scoring.

Shortly after, Ayoub El Kaabi entered the game in the 65th minute and scored a sensational overhead kick just nine minutes later following a precise lob from Anass Salah-Eddine, sealing the 2-0 win.

Reigning CAF Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi, who had presented his 2025 award to the crowd in Rabat, praised the team’s performance on X, saying, “A strong start to the competition. Thank you for the love and for the amazing atmosphere tonight.”

With Morocco off to a perfect start, the hosts have sent a clear message to the rest of the continent that they are serious contenders for the AFCON 2025 title.