AFCON 2025: Win over Comoros a good way to start tournament – Morocco coach Walid Regragui

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has expressed satisfaction after the Atlas Lions opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 win over Comoros on Sunday evening.

Playing in front of a large and passionate crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the hosts eventually found their rhythm after a challenging first half to secure all three points in the tournament’s opening match.

Morocco dominated possession from the early stages of the contest but struggled to turn their control into clear-cut chances before the break. Despite their territorial advantage, the Atlas Lions lacked sharpness in the final third, allowing Comoros to stay in the game for long periods.

Speaking in his post-match interview, Walid Regragui acknowledged the challenges that often come with opening matches at major tournaments, stressing that strong performances are not always easy to achieve at such moments.

“It’s never easy to enter a competition. The opening match is always difficult,” the coach said.

Reflecting on his team’s first-half display, Regragui admitted that improvements were needed in attack.

“We controlled the game in the first half, but we didn’t create enough chances. There was a lack of presence in the penalty area,” he analysed.

The Moroccan coach, however, was pleased with the overall outcome, particularly the importance of starting the tournament with a win on home soil.

“This is a good omen. It was important to win the first match in front of our fans. It’s a good way to get into the competition,” he concluded.

At the top of Group A, Morocco will now prepare for their second game against Mali on December 26.