Morocco opened the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a statement — a 2-0 victory over Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium — and the spotlight fell on Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui, who stepped into Achraf Hakimi’s right-back role and delivered a performance that left coach Walid Regragui beaming.
Match momentum and key moments
The hosts broke the deadlock in the second half when Brahim Díaz converted a chance created by Mazraoui, and Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win with a stunning overhead kick late on. Morocco survived an early scare when Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty was saved, then grew into the game, turning control into a composed, clinical finish that launched their Nations Cup campaign in style.
Mazraoui’s impact
Mazraoui was more than a competent stand-in — he was a catalyst. Starting at right-back, the Manchester United defender combined defensive solidity with incisive attacking intent, supplying the assist for Díaz’s 55th-minute opener and helping to unlock a stubborn Comoros backline.
His technical quality and calm on the ball gave Morocco a seamless transition on the flank and a clear alternative to the injured Hakimi.
“Without Hakimi we could have done better, but Mazraoui is fantastic,” Regragui told ESPN. “I place him in the hierarchy as strong as Achraf, even if he has different qualities.
We still need Hakimi, he's one of the best players in Africa and in the world... This style of game would have suited Hakimi today, he would have helped us in wide areas.”
Hakimi update and managerial caution
Achraf Hakimi, recovering from a severe left-ankle sprain sustained in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, was pencilled in for a possible comeback but ultimately remained on the bench. Regragui stressed prudence: the priority is Hakimi’s full recovery for the tournament rather than a rushed cameo.
Regragui’s stance was clear — no unnecessary risks. He hinted that the squad will reassess Hakimi’s readiness in the coming days and left the door open for a return against Mali, but only if the medical team gives the green light.
A fullback conundrum in a good way
Mazraoui’s display, paired with the electric contributions of left-back Anass Salah-Eddine — who set up El Kaabi’s spectacular finish — has handed Regragui a welcome selection headache.
Between them, the two fullbacks created four clear chances, the most of any players on the night, and their combined pace and creativity repeatedly troubled Comoros.
Regragui summed up the new depth succinctly: he now has “three super fullbacks,” each bringing different strengths. That depth means Morocco can rotate without losing balance, and it transforms what once might have been a vulnerability into a tactical luxury.
Club versus country drama
Mazraoui’s arrival to the national camp was not without controversy. Manchester United pushed for the 28-year-old to feature in their 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, prompting a club-versus-country dispute that was escalated to FIFA.
The governing body ultimately sided with Morocco, allowing Mazraoui to join the Atlas Lions ahead of the tournament.
What comes next
Morocco’s Group A journey continues with a clash against Mali in Rabat on December 26, followed by a final group game against Zambia three days later.
For now, Regragui has options and optimism: a home crowd, a confident backline, and a right-back who proved he can carry the weight of expectation when called upon.
