AFCON 2025: Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor saves first penalty at the tournament

Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor etched his name into Africa Cup of Nations history by becoming the first goalkeeper to save a penalty at the AFCON 2025 tournament, denying Morocco’s Soufiane Rahimi from the spot in the 11th minute.

In a tense opening group clash against hosts Morocco, Comoros faced early pressure after conceding a penalty, but Pandor stood tall, guessing correctly to push away Rahimi’s effort and keep the game goalless.

The save electrified Comoros fans and visibly lifted his teammates, who rallied around their inspired shot-stopper.

Pandor’s intervention not only preserved parity in a difficult atmosphere in Morocco, it also marked the first missed penalty of the entire AFCON 2025, adding extra significance to his stop.

Even though Morocco would later find a way through and claim victory, the Comoros keeper’s early heroics stood out as one of the defining moments of the tournament’s opening stages.

Comoros will play Zambia in their next group A game on December 26th.