Imagine a stadium roaring with excitement as a player's acrobatic genius turns a routine game into an unforgettable spectacle – that's exactly what unfolded when Morocco kicked off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in grand fashion with a stunning 2-0 victory over Comoros. Ayoub El Kaabi's jaw-dropping overhead kick, clinching the win, is already being hailed as a potential goal of the tournament, showcasing the Atlas Lions' flair right from the start. But here's where it gets controversial: Could this breathtaking opener set the tone for Morocco to finally claim their first-ever AFCON title, or will external pressures and past disappointments derail their dreams? Stick around as we dive into the details, because this story is packed with drama, resilience, and a pinch of underdog magic that might just inspire you.
AFP
Dec 21, 2025 16:59-05:00
Morocco set the stage for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday by securing a solid 2-0 triumph against Comoros, with Ayoub El Kaabi's spectacular overhead kick – that's a fancy term for a bicycle kick, where a player leaps backward to strike the ball mid-air – stealing the headlines and etching itself into tournament lore. As hosts of the event, the Atlas Lions are chasing history, aiming to crown themselves champions of Africa for the very first time after numerous near-misses in previous AFCON editions. And this is the part most people miss: Despite their lackluster track record, Morocco are tipped as strong contenders this year, sending a clear signal to rivals with this effortless win.
Morocco assert dominance with an effortless triumph
Among the favorites to lift the trophy (as seen in expert analyses like Goal.com's predictions featuring stars such as Mohamed Salah from Egypt and Victor Osimhen from Nigeria alongside Morocco's talented squad), Morocco have often stumbled at AFCON in the past. Yet, they issued a stern warning to competitors with this convincing performance.
Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz shone brightly, earning an early penalty that his teammate Soufiane Rahimi attempted but saw saved by Comoros' goalkeeper Yannick Pandor. Diaz then took matters into his own hands shortly after halftime, finding the back of the net after a precise pass into the penalty area from Manchester United's right-back Noussair Mazraoui. With about 15 minutes left on the clock, El Kaabi became the hero, executing a mind-boggling overhead kick following a lofted through ball from Anass Salah-Eddine.
Check out the footage
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From humble carpenter to football icon: El Kaabi's inspiring journey
El Kaabi, currently dazzling for Olympiacos in Greece, dropped out of school at 15 to take up carpentry and help his family financially. He eventually traded his tools for a professional football contract with his local club, Racing Athletic Club Casablanca, before advancing to Morocco's top division with RS Berkane in 2017.
His standout performances in the domestic league earned him a spot in the national team and a lucrative transfer to China's Hebei China Fortune. Subsequent moves back to Morocco with Wydad AC, Turkey's Hatayspor, and Qatar's Al-Sadd preceded his 2023 arrival at Olympiacos, where he's netted an impressive 75 goals in 115 matches. He also played a key role in their 2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League victory, earning the Player of the Tournament accolade – think of it as the MVP award in that competition.
On the international stage, El Kaabi has graced four major tournaments with the Atlas Lions, tallying 18 goals in 48 appearances. His story is a testament to perseverance, proving that with hard work and talent, one can rise from modest beginnings to global stardom.
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AFP
What's on the horizon for Morocco and El Kaabi?
Morocco's focus now shifts to their next group-stage encounter on Boxing Day, where they'll face off against Mali in what promises to be a thrilling clash. They'll wrap up the group phase against Zambia on December 29.
This win raises intriguing debates: Is El Kaabi's spectacular goal a sign of Morocco's destiny to win AFCON, or could the weight of expectation – given their hosting duties and past failures – lead to an early exit? Moreover, do stories like El Kaabi's carpentry-to-celebrity transformation inspire you to chase your dreams, or do you see it as a rare exception in a sport often criticized for its inequalities? Share your thoughts in the comments – do you agree Morocco are set for glory, or is there a counterpoint you're itching to debate? Let's hear it!
