'We Did the Job' – Walid Regragui Reacts After Morocco's AFCON 2025 Opening Win Over Comoros

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations officially began on Sunday night as host nation Morocco secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Comoros in the opening match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Despite dominating early possession, the Atlas Lions were frustrated in a goalless first half where Soufiane Rahimi saw his 10th-minute penalty saved by a heroic Yannick Pandor.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute when Brahim Diaz slotted home a low cross from Noussair Mazraoui to ignite the home crowd in Rabat.

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Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi then stole the headlines with a breathtaking overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling the lead and effectively sealing the three points.

While the win sends Morocco to the top of Group A, the night was slightly marred by an early injury to captain Romain Saïss, who left the pitch in tears after just 19 minutes.

Speaking after the game, Morocco coach Walid Regragui expressed his relief and satisfaction with the result, noting that it was not an easy win for the team.

"It's never easy to start a tournament. The opening match is always tough," the Moroccan coach stated, as quoted by Far Post.

"We did the job. We controlled the game in the first half but didn’t create enough chances. There was a lack of presence in the box. We reverted to some of our old faults."

Walid Regragui also credited tactical adjustments and second-half intensity for the victory, noting the impact of his substitutions.

"We fixed that in the second half with the substitutions and the intensity we showed," the coach further explained.

"As soon as we scored our two goals, we took control. It's a good sign. It was important to win the first match in front of our supporters. It's a great way to start the tournament."

This result marks Morocco’s 19th consecutive international victory, providing the perfect start to their quest for a first continental title since 1976.