Moroccan manager praises Noussair Mazraoui performance against Comoros at AFCON 2025

The Africa Cup of Nations is now officially underway, as hosts Morocco took on Comoros in the opening game last night.

Expectedly, Morocco defeated Comoros with a 2-0 win, setting them up at the top of their group, still to face Mali and Zambia later this month.

Taking to the pitch, Manchester United right-back Noussair Mazraoui was handed a starting role, covering for Achraf Hakimi who’s just returning from injury after being out since the start of November.

Mazraoui took the opportunity in his stride, being one of Morocco’s best players in the game, even setting up the initial goal for Brahim Diaz to convert in the 55th minute.

United’s talented defender drilled in a low cross to the Diaz who connected with it perfectly to get the game up and running.

Speaking after the game, Morocco’s manager Walid Regragui heaped high praise on Mazraoui, equating his ability to his fellow right-back, Hakimi, who won African Footballer of the Year last outing.

Talking about the pair, Regragui told ESPN: “Without Hakimi we could have done better, but Mazraoui is fantastic. I place him in the hierarchy as strong as Achraf, even if he has different qualities.”

When discussing the upcoming games, and his available full-backs, Regragui added: “There’s no question at the moment, because Hakimi isn’t ready to return, so [against Mali] both of them [Mazraoui and Anass Salah-Eddine] will play again.”

He continued: “I have three super fullbacks; Salah-Eddine has gone up a level and is a great left back, Mazraoui is one of the best technically in his position.

“Sometimes we’ll be without Achraf, sometimes without Mazraoui, sometimes without Salah-Eddine.

“I don’t have any doubts or worries. In the past, without Achraf [Hakimi], we would have been in trouble, but now we have options.”