Achraf Hakimi Sends Powerful Message After Morocco’s Perfect AFCON 2025 Start

As hosts Morocco kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign in style, reigning CAF African Men’s Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi was quick to praise the team’s performance and the electric atmosphere that powered their opening-night victory.

The Atlas Lions opened the tournament with a confident 2-0 win over Comoros, sending an early warning to the rest of the continent that they are serious about lifting the trophy on home soil.

Morocco Control The Tempo In AFCON Opener

Backed by a vibrant home crowd, Morocco dominated possession from the first whistle but were initially frustrated by Comoros’ compact and disciplined defence.

The hosts had an early chance to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute, but Sofiane Rahimi’s effort was brilliantly saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor. Despite the setback, Morocco maintained control, limiting Comoros to no shots on target in the first half.

There was a brief concern when captain Romain Saïss was forced off through injury, prompting Walid Regragui to introduce Jawad El Yamiq. However, the change did little to disrupt Morocco’s rhythm.

Off the pitch, the opening ceremony set a celebratory tone for the tournament, showcasing African culture and Moroccan heritage with performances from Davido, French Montana and RedOne, capped by a ceremonial kick-off from Crown Prince Moulay Hassan.

Diaz And El Kaabi Deliver The Goals

Morocco’s persistence finally paid off in the 55th minute. A delicate lob from Sofyan Amrabat found Noussair Mazraoui, who squared for Brahim Diaz to calmly slot home and break the deadlock.

The second goal was pure theatre. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi, introduced in the 65th minute, stunned the crowd with a spectacular overhead kick nine minutes later, converting a precise lob from Anass Salah-Eddine to seal the win.

Hakimi Reacts After Strong Start

Achraf Hakimi, who had earlier presented his CAF African Player of the Year award to the fans in Rabat, took to social media to celebrate the result.

“A strong start to the competition. Thank you for the love and for the amazing atmosphere tonight,” the Paris Saint-Germain star wrote on X.

A strong start to the competition 💪🏽

Thank you for the love and for the amazing atmosphere tonight 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/dfUViNAsgv

— Achraf Hakimi (@AchrafHakimi) December 21, 2025