The technical committee of the African Football Confederation (CAF) chose Moroccan international Ibrahim Diaz as the best player in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, in which the national team defeated the Comoros Islands 2-0.

During his receipt of the "Man of the Match" award, Diaz expressed his happiness with the result, emphasizing that the team still needs to perform better in upcoming matches. He said, "We will continue to improve; we know we are required to give more. We are playing on our home ground, and God willing, we will achieve more victories and reach the place we all aspire to as one team."

The player pointed out that the three points remain the primary goal, emphasizing that winning the Man of the Match award is important but not the most important. He added, "What matters most is the victory and the teamwork with my teammates, which gives me the right opportunities to deliver my best performance."

Diaz scored the opening goal for the Moroccan national team in the 55th minute, before Ayoub El Kaabi added the second goal in the 74th minute, having come on as a substitute for Sofiane Rahimi in the 65th minute.

With this victory, the Moroccan national team kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with their first three points, while the Comoros national team remained without any points in the first round of the group stage.

The "Atlas Lions" are preparing to face the Mali national team in the second round, scheduled for Friday, December 26, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.