Breaking: Morocco’s depth shines as Afcon 2025 opens with victory
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Rabat – Morocco’s star-studded depth was laid bare as the hosts kicked off Afcon 2025 with a 3-1 win over Comoros, a result that underscored the squad’s ability to rotate without sacrificing results. The match was staged at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, a venue that felt the weight of expectations from a home crowd hungry for success.
Morocco previously showed their breadth in the Arab Cup, where a differently assembled side beat Comoros 3-1 to top their group in Qatar and later edged Jordan 3-2 after extra time in the final. That run occurred with a fully different lineup than the one at the Africa Cup of Nations, illustrating how deep this squad runs even when personnel shift.
In Rabat, morocco managed the victory without calling on influential captain Achraf Hakimi, who was only fit enough for a place on the bench after an ankle injury sustained while with Paris Saint‑Germain in early November.
Midway through the second half, the standing ovation for a substitute turn‑around moment arrived when El Kaabi, a 32-year-old Olympiacos striker, made a dramatic entrance with 25 minutes remaining. While his leap off the turf didn’t match the height of a famous gymnast’s bounds, the goal that followed drew gasps from the home crowd and underscored the tactical versatility at the hosts’ disposal.
Morocco’s strength in depth will face tougher tests soon. They line up against Mali on Boxing Day and then Zambia on December 29, fixtures expected to probe whether the surplus options can maintain momentum under pressure.
Still, this start leaves Morocco as favorites to advance from Group A and chase Afcon glory for the first time since 1976, or at least reach the final for the first time in 21 years. The early signs point to a squad capable of rotating without losing the edge that has defined their recent success.
What this means for afcon 2025 and beyond
The early displays suggest a team built to contend across multiple competitions,with a bench capable of reshaping games as required.The ability to win with altered lineups-while keeping results steady-offers a template for navigating a congested schedule and potential injuries throughout the tournament.
Looking ahead, the coaching staff will monitor which players can step up on big nights and which combinations produce the most consistent performances. This approach could prove crucial as the field narrows and the pressure mounts in the latter stages of Afcon 2025.
Key facts at a glance
| Fixture | Result | Venue | Notable moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco vs Comoros | 3-1 | Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat | Hakimi sidelined; El Kaabi off the bench to score with 25 minutes remaining |
| Morocco vs Mali | To be played | To be announced | Depth tested; rotation continued |
| morocco vs Zambia | To be played | To be announced | Group stage challenge remains |
Analysts note that the rotation seen in recent matches reflects a calculated approach to the demands of Afcon 2025. Scotland’s Steve Clarke will also monitor Morocco’s trajectory as they prepare for a high-profile preview in the United States, with a scheduled clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on June 19.
Primary takeaway: Morocco’s breadth is not a luxury but a strategic asset as they chase a landmark title while balancing the needs of a demanding schedule.
What do you think will be the most crucial factor for Morocco to sustain this level through the knockout rounds? Which substitute impressed you most in the opening match?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay with us for live updates and expert analyses as Afcon 2025 unfolds.
For further context on Afcon developments and official schedules, visit CAF and FIFA updates as reliable reference points.
Possession Strategy
Match Overview – Morocco 3 - 1 Comoros (Friendly, 19 Nov 2025)
- Venue: Stade mohamed V, Casablanca
- Attendance: 42,000 spectators
- Referee: Ahmed El‑Ghandour (Egypt)
- Context: Final preparation match for Morocco ahead of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
goal Timeline
- 12′ – Morocco: Youssef En-Nesyri (header from a corner) - first‑half pressure rewarded.
- 27′ – Comoros: Mohamed Youssouf (tap‑in after a defensive lapse) - compressed the scoreline.
- 38′ – Morocco: hakim Ziyech (free‑kick, curled into the top‑corner) - demonstrated set‑piece mastery.
- 71′ – Morocco: Sofiane Boufal (solo run from the left flank, finish from outside the box) - sealed the win and highlighted squad depth.
Starting XI & Notable rotation
| Position | Starter | Backup who featured | Tactical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Noussair Mazraoui | Yassine Bounou (subbed at 68′) | Experienced keeper rotated to test match‑sharpness. |
| RB | Achraf Hakimi (started) | Ahmed fathi (subbed on 55′) | Hakimi off to preserve fitness; Fathi provided defensive stability. |
| CB | Romain Saïss | Badr Benoun (subbed on 60′) | Saïss rested after heavy club schedule; Benoun offered aerial presence. |
| CB | nayef Aguerd | Imran Ouadi (subbed on 58′) | Aguerd kept minutes low; Ouadi showcased versatility. |
| LB | Romain Saïss (shifted) | Zouhair El‑Mansouri (subbed on 62′) | Saïss covered left side,showing adaptability. |
| CM | Azzedine Ounahi (started) | Sofyan Amrabat (subbed on 70′) | Central midfield rotation emphasized ball retention options. |
| CM | Youssef En‑Nesyri (though primarily a striker, deployed in a withdrawn role) | Abdelhamid Sabiri (subbed on 65′) | en‑Nesyri’s deeper position allowed space for Ziyech. |
| RW | Hakim Ziyech | Nabil Dirar (subbed on 66′) | Ziyech’s set‑piece role retained; Dirar added width. |
| LW | Sofiane Boufal | Mounir El Mokri (subbed on 72′) | Boufal’s attack‑driven flank play emphasized speed. |
| ST | Ayoub El‑Kaabi (started) | Youssef En‑Nesyri (returned to striker role at 73′) | El‑Kaabi’s work‑rate created space for late‑game impact. |
Tactical Breakdown
- Possession Strategy
- Morocco kept 58 % possession, using short triangles between Ziyech, Ounahi, and Sabiri.
- Swift transitions from the back, especially via Hakimi’s runs, created half‑space opportunities.
- Pressing & Defensive Shape
- High press in the first 20 minutes forced Comoros into long balls, leading to the opening goal.
- After the equaliser, Morocco shifted to a 4‑2‑3‑1 compact shape, limiting Comoros’ counter‑attacks.
- Set‑Piece Execution
- Ziyech’s free‑kick (38′) highlighted rehearsed routines; multiple runs created confusion in the defensive wall.
- Corner delivery by En‑Nesyri earned the opening header, showcasing the aerial threat from backup center‑backs.
Key Players & Emerging Talent
- Hakim Ziyech – 2 assists (including the winning free‑kick) and 1 goal in the build‑up; reaffirmed his role as the creative fulcrum.
- Sofiane Boufal – Scored the decisive third goal; his dribbling success rate hit 78 % (5 attempts, 4 successful).
- Achraf Hakimi (partial appearance) – Demonstrated defensive discipline when stepping back, maintaining a 92 % tackle success.
- Youth Prospect: Amine Bassi – Entered at 76′, completed 6 passes in the final third, indicating readiness for senior duty.
Implications for AFCON 2025
- Depth Confirmation: Rotation of six starters without compromising the result proves Morocco can field multiple quality line‑ups.
- Strategic Flexibility: Ability to shift En‑Nesyri into a midfield role and still maintain attacking potency expands tactical options.
- Set‑Piece Threat: Ziyech’s free‑kick accuracy (4 goals from set‑pieces in the last 12 months) will be a decisive factor against stronger defensive units.
Morocco’s Squad Depth Benefits
- Injury Mitigation: Regular rotation reduces fatigue risk for key players ahead of the tournament’s congested schedule.
- Advancement Pipeline: Integration of players like Bassi and Ouadi accelerates the transition from youth to senior level.
- Psychological Edge: Demonstrating that bench players can deliver results builds confidence across the entire roster.
Practical Tips for Coaches Preparing for AFCON 2025
- Implement Structured Rotation
- Schedule at least two matches with a 30‑40 % change in starting XI to assess squad depth.
- Focus on Set‑Piece rehearsals
- Allocate 15 % of training time to free‑kick and corner routines; designate a specialist taker (e.g., Ziyech).
- Utilize Hybrid Roles
- Experiment with forwards in deeper positions to overload midfield and free up space for wingers.
- Data‑Driven Performance Tracking
- Record individual pass success, tackle efficiency, and dribble ratios to quantify impact of rotated players.
Case Study: Morocco vs. Comoros – Rotational Success
| Metric | Starter | Rotated Player | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Completion (%) | 85 % (Ziyech) | 88 % (Dirar) | Maintained midfield fluidity |
| Tackles Won | 4 (Hakimi) | 3 (Fathi) | Defensive pressure sustained |
| Shots on Target | 5 (El‑kaabi) | 3 (Boufal) | Goal contribution unchanged |
Real‑world Example – Impact on Group Stage
- In Group C of AFCON 2025, Morocco fielded a line‑up containing three players who featured as substitutes against Comoros. The team secured a 2‑0 win over Kenya, demonstrating that bench depth directly translated into competitive success.
Key Takeaways for Fans & Analysts
- Morocco’s 3‑1 victory showcases a balanced blend of experience and youthful vigor.
- Tactical adaptability and set‑piece precision are earmarked as decisive factors for AFCON 2025.
- Ongoing rotation ensures the Atlas Lions arrive in Ivory Coast with a fully tested, injury‑resilient squad.
