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Madrid Magic Sparks Morocco's AFCON 2025 Opener

21 December 2025

Madrid Magic Sparks Morocco's AFCON 2025 Opener
Diaz opens Morocco's AFCON 2025 campaign with a first-half strike against Comoros

Match report

Ibrahim Diaz, the Real Madrid forward, ended Comoros' 56-minute resistance in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Morocco.

Diaz converted a cross into a superb strike to put the Atlas Lions in front.

Moments earlier, the gifted Sufian Rahimi had seen an early penalty go astray, denying an early breakthrough for the hosts.

Morocco also suffered a blow as Román Saïss left the field injured in the 17th minute, with Jawad El Yamiq coming on in his stead.

The hosts will stage AFCON 2025 until December 18, with 24 teams competing for the title.

The Atlas Lions, coached by Walid Regragui, are chasing the trophy for the first time since 1976.

Punchline 1: Diaz's finish was so precise it could file a mortgage on the back of the net.

Punchline 2: If precision were a sport, Morocco would be training with a sniper, and the target would be the goal.

Author

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who scored the opening goal for Morocco against Comoros?

Ibrahim Diaz of Real Madrid scored the opening goal for Morocco.

What happened to Román Saïss in the match?

Saïss suffered an injury in the 17th minute and was substituted.

Who is Morocco's coach for AFCON 2025?

Walid Regragui is the head coach of the Moroccan team.

How many teams are competing in AFCON 2025?

The tournament features 24 teams.