Tears on Opening Night: Morocco's AFCON 2025 Opener Drowns in Emotion and Drama

Morocco suffers a painful AFCON 2025 opener

Morocco’s title bid began with a harsh setback as the Atlas Lions faced Comoros in AFCON 2025’s curtain-raiser at Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night.

Captain Romain Saiss complained of a muscle injury while sprinting to stop a counterattack from Comoros, signaling defensive trouble for the hosts as the match wore on.

Saiss received treatment before leaving the pitch in visible sadness, tears threatening to spill as fear of a long tournament absence loomed.

In the 17th minute, coach Walid Regragui brought on Jawad El Yamiq to replace Saiss and steady the backline.

Morocco had earned a penalty in the 10th minute for Ibrahim Diaz, a moment that sparked hope before the drama unfolded.

Moments later, Sofiane Rahimi wasted a chance after 11 minutes, shooting at the goalkeeper with the goal at his mercy.

The opener was played in front of a massive, partisan crowd as Morocco chase AFCON glory for the first time since 1976.

A large home crowd roared throughout, showing belief in the team’s bid to bring the title back to their fans.

Punchline 1: If tears counted as goals, Morocco would be leading by a landslide.

Punchline 2: Don’t cry for Saiss — in football, dramatic exits are just plot twists with better lighting.