The rain did not spoil the party. Despite the deluge that fell on Rabat this Sunday for the opening match of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, the spectacle was dazzling at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. With a superb opening ceremony, excited supporters, an exceptional national anthem, a dazzling goal from Ayoub El-Kaabi and a deserved victory (2-0), Morocco’s entry into the competition could hardly be more successful.
Despite everything, it must be admitted that the Moroccans struggled to get into their match. Probably hampered by the pouring rain which fell on the capital and by the stress of this first meeting, the Atlas Lions stammered with their football until the break. Despite everything, they could have opened the scoring if Soufiane Rahimi had converted the penalty obtained by Brahim Diaz (11th). Yannick Pandor, the Comorian goalkeeper loaned to Belgium by RC Lens, however pulled out all the stops.
The exceptional chisel of El-Kaabi
If he managed to push back the deadline before the break, the Moroccan pressing ended up making him break. The liberator of the evening is Brahim Diaz, author of a cool goal from the penalty spot after excellent work from Noussair Mazraoui (55th). Elusive between the lines, the Real Madrid striker, discreet since the start of the season with only one small goal for the Merengues, will undoubtedly be one of the big dangers for Morocco.
Ayoub El-Kaabi too. Author of an exceptional goal, with a stunning scissor which left Yannick Pandor (74th) no chance, the Olympiakos striker has already left his mark on CAN 2025. Stop looking for the goal of the tournament, it is undoubtedly already there. Beyond its beauty, this acrobatic gesture above all allowed the Moroccans to take definitive shelter and experience a serene and happy end to the match.
Saïss, the injury that worries
Despite everything, a shadow remains on the bright picture of this opening match. Because the Atlas Lions have already lost their captain Romain Saïss, out with an injury. In tears, the former Le Havre and Wolverhampton defender first tried to stay on the pitch before giving up his place in the 18th minute, escorted and comforted by his teammates.
His absence, if it is confirmed in the coming days, will undoubtedly be detrimental for Walid Regragui’s men. The Moroccan coach should, however, be able to count on the return of his star Achraf Hakimi, who suffered a serious ankle injury at the beginning of November after a violent tackle from the Bavarian Luis Diaz. Enough to densify a defense which is already largely holding its own.
The presence of the African Golden Ball, however, will not be too much to challenge the other big piece of Pool A, Mali, during the next match (Friday, 9 p.m.). Big favorite of the competition, its competition, Morocco must not fear anyone. And he perhaps proved, with this first match under high tension, that he had the shoulders to assume his status.
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