• RealMadrid midfielder Díaz

Morocco kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a comfortable 2–0 victory over minnows Comoros in the tournament’s opening match on Sunday in Rabat.

Second-half goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sealed all three points for the Atlas Lions in a rain-soaked encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The host nation dominated the first half but were left frustrated when Soufiane Rahimi saw his penalty saved, as the hosts struggled to convert their superiority into goals before the break.

The deadlock was finally broken 10 minutes into the second half when Real Madrid midfielder Díaz fired home from close range, sending the majority of the 60,180-strong crowd into raptures.

The match then opened up, with Comoros forward Rafiki Saïd denied by the legs of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. At the same time, Noussair Mazraoui forced a fine save from Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor at the other end.

Substitute El Kaabi put the result beyond doubt with a spectacular overhead kick 15 minutes from time, ensuring Walid Regragui’s side lived up to pre-match expectations on a wet and cold night in the Moroccan capital.

Morocco will face Mali in their next group match on Friday. Mali begin their AFCON campaign against Zambia in Casablanca on Monday.

Afrobeats singer Davido has demonstrated his unwavering support for the Super Eagles, staking $25,000 (approximately N36 million) on Nigeria’s opening Group C match against Tanzania at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

The Super Eagles will face Tanzanian on December 23 at the Complex Sportif de Fes in Morocco, marking Nigeria’s quest for a fourth AFCON title.

The singer shared a snapshot of his betting slip on his X page, predicting that both teams will score in the match, with a potential payout of $96,564 (about N140 million).

Recall that Davido has previously wagered $10,000 on Nigeria’s World Cup playoff match against Gabon, which the team ultimately lost.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco will receive $10 million, marking a significant increase from previous editions.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe disclosed the figures on Saturday during a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee in Rabat, just one day ahead of the tournament’s opening match.

The tournament opened on Sunday 21 December 2025 to close 18 January 2026.

CAF explained that the $10 million prize represents a 43 percent increase over the 2023 edition in Côte d’Ivoire, where the champions received $7 million.

In the past four years, the prize money has effectively doubled, with winners of the 2021 Cameroon edition having earned $5 million.

Runners-up at the Morocco 2025 tournament will receive $4 million, while the two semi-finalists are set to earn $2.5 million each.

CAF indicated that the increments are intended to enhance the value, competitiveness, and international appeal of Africa’s premier football competition.