Ayoub El Kaabi scores Morocco’s second goal against Comoros with a spectacular scissor kick, December 21, 2025.
The Moroccan national team won 2-0 against the Comoros national team in the match held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the capital, Rabat, opening the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, which it is currently hosting.
The Atlas Lions owe their first win in their campaign for a second title to Real Madrid striker Brahim Díaz and Greek Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi.
Mali will face Zambia on Monday in Casablanca to conclude the first round.
Ayoub El Kaabi scores Morocco’s second goal against Comoros with a spectacular scissor kick, December 21, 2025.
Ayoub El Kaabi scores Morocco’s second goal against Comoros with a spectacular scissor kick, December 21, 2025.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and a series of powerful Islamic dynasties. It is known for its diverse cultural heritage, from the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis to the historic imperial cities of Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, and Rabat. The country gained independence from French and Spanish protectorates in 1956 and is celebrated for its unique blend of Arab, African, and European influences.
Comoros
The Comoros is an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, with a history shaped by a blend of African, Arab, and French influences. It was a key hub in historic Indian Ocean trade routes and gained independence from France in 1975. The country is known for its volcanic landscapes, diverse culture, and being one of the world’s leading producers of ylang-ylang.
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is a major sports venue in Rabat, Morocco, named after Prince Moulay Abdellah, the brother of King Hassan II. It was originally constructed in 1983 and later renovated to host the 2019 African Games, serving as a key site for football matches and athletic events.
Rabat
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, founded in the 12th century by the Almohad Caliphate as a ribat (fortified monastery). It is now a modern political and administrative center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved historic quarters, including the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first held in 1957. It was founded to unite African nations through sport and has grown from three initial participants to a major continental tournament featuring 24 national teams.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1902. It is one of the world’s most successful and widely supported clubs, historically renowned for its European dominance, particularly winning a record 14 UEFA Champions League titles.
Olympiacos
Olympiacos is a major professional football club based in Piraeus, Greece, founded in 1925. It is historically the most successful club in Greek football, having won numerous domestic league titles and cups. The club has a deep-rooted rivalry with Panathinaikos, known as the “Derby of the eternal enemies,” which is central to its identity and fan culture.
Mali
Mali is a West African nation historically renowned as the heart of the powerful Mali Empire, which flourished from the 13th to 16th centuries and was famous for its wealth, trade, and centers of Islamic learning like Timbuktu. Today, it is home to significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient cities of Timbuktu and Djenné, though many of its cultural treasures face threats from conflict and environmental degradation.
Zambia
Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa, historically home to various Bantu-speaking groups and later part of the British Empire as Northern Rhodesia. It gained independence in 1964 and is renowned for the majestic Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site shared with Zimbabwe, and its expansive national parks like South Luangwa.
Casablanca
Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and a major economic hub, originally settled by Berbers and later developed under French colonial rule in the 20th century. It is renowned for its iconic Art Deco architecture and the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques, which features a minaret overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
