Morocco Defeat Comoros 3–1 in Arab Cup Opener

Doha: The Moroccan national team opened its campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 with a 3–1 victory over Comoros today in the first round of Group B at Khalifa International Stadium. The group also includes Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Morocco’s goals were scored by Soufiane Bouftini in the 5th minute, Tarik Tissoudali in the 11th minute, and Karim El Berkaoui in the 45+4 minute, while Comoros’ lone goal came via an accidental own goal by Moroccan defender Mohamed Boulaksout in the 56th minute.

With this result, Morocco temporarily moved to the top of the group with 3 points, ahead of the Saudi Arabia–Oman match scheduled later tonight.

Morocco began the match with clear dominance and high pressing, opening the scoring early after a corner by Oussama Tannane which Bouftini headed powerfully into the net. The Atlas Lions doubled their lead six minutes later when another corner from Tannane was met by Tissoudali, who fired the ball past the Comorian goalkeeper.

Comoros attempted to respond and came close in the 24th minute with a shot from the edge of the box that went over the crossbar. Morocco continued to press from the flanks and scored their third goal in added time of the first half. A precise cross from Hamza El Moussaoui found El Berkaoui, who headed home to make it 3–0 at the break.

The second half saw Comoros improve noticeably as they sought a comeback. Ibrahim Joudja forced a vital defensive block from Morocco in the 53rd minute before the Comorian side reduced the deficit three minutes later when Amir Zaid sent in a dangerous cross that Boulaksout accidentally deflected into his own net.

The match remained open into the closing stages, with Morocco’s Amine Zouhzouh missing a clear opportunity in the 83rd minute, firing over the bar when one-on-one with the Comorian goalkeeper after a cross from Abderrazak Hamdallah.