AFCON 2025: Morocco head coach admits to frustration after first half performance
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 22.12.25. | 15:48
The result places Morocco atop Group A, while Comoros drop to the bottom of the group.
Morocco opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2–0 victory over Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night, with second-half goals from Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi securing the win.
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For Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, the victory was satisfying but far from straightforward. Speaking after the match, Regragui reflected on the challenges his side faced in the first half.
“We have been preparing for this game for a year and a half. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We had a bad start, with the missed penalty and the injury-forced exit of Romain Saïss,” he said in an interview with CAF Media.
He added that the team had to make adjustments at half-time to overcome Comoros’ defensive solidity.
“At half-time, I wasn’t very satisfied with the team, and we spoke to put certain adjustments in place, which the players applied very quickly.”
Regragui was quick to praise his players’ resilience under pressure, emphasising the discipline and patience required to unlock a well-organised Comorian side.
“It wasn’t an easy match. Comoros defended very compactly, and we had to remain focused, adapt, and take our chances when they came,” he said.
On the other side, Comoros head coach Stefano Cusin expressed pride in his team’s effort despite the defeat. He highlighted the defensive organisation his side displayed and acknowledged the fine margins that separated the two sides.
“We were solid defensively. But in this kind of game, when opportunity knocks, you have to take it,” Cusin said.
“The team showed a good face, and Comorians can be proud of their country. We can’t say we played badly because we conceded two goals. Had Rafiki scored to make it 1–1, the scenario could have been different. Morocco are a great team; we have to accept defeat against such a side.”
Morocco’s victory came after a tense first half, with the hosts controlling possession but unable to break through early on, compounded by the missed penalty and the injury to captain Romain Saïss.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the second half, with Brahim Díaz opening the scoring before Ayoub El Kaabi’s acrobatic overhead kick sealed the points.
The result places Morocco atop of Group A, while Comoros drop to the bottom of the group. Mali will take on Zambia in the second Group A game on Monday afternoon.
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