Morocco begins its Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Comoros in Rabat on Sunday, aiming to extend the record of host nations winning their opening matches. The Atlas Lions, Africa's top-ranked team, face a resilient Comoros side known for upsets. With key injuries sidelining some stars, Morocco seeks to leverage home advantage in Group A.
All eyes turn to Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium as Morocco kicks off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Comoros. This Group A encounter marks the hosts' 20th appearance at the tournament, where they pursue their second title since 1976. Nineteen previous host nations have triumphed in their debut fixtures, a streak Morocco is determined to uphold, avoiding the fate of the last host to falter, Burkina Faso in 1998.
Morocco enters with strong form, unbeaten in competitive matches since a shock last-16 loss to South Africa at AFCON 2023. That defeat ended a run of quarter-final exits in 2017 and 2021, following a final loss in 2004. Despite reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, continental success has eluded them lately. Ranked as Africa's premier side, coach Walid Regragui's team boasts depth, though injuries pose challenges: Achraf Hakimi recovers from an ankle issue, Sofyan Amrabat nurses a leg problem, and Hamza Igmane sits out with a hamstring strain. Brahim Diaz, qualifying's top scorer, lacks match rhythm, while Youssef En-Nesyri leads with 25 international goals.
Comoros, ranked 108th globally, arrives with momentum. On their 2021 debut, the Coelacanths stunned Ghana 3-2 to reach the knockouts. They went unbeaten in 2025 qualifying, securing three wins and three draws, and once held Morocco to a 2-2 draw in 2019 qualifying. No injuries trouble coach Stefano Cusin, allowing a full squad selection. Standouts include Youssouf M’Changama, Rafiki Said—who netted a famous winner over Tunisia—and Faiz Selemani as an option to veteran El Fardou Ben Nabouhane.
Expected line-ups see Morocco in a 4-3-3 with Bono in goal, facing Comoros' 3-4-3 led by Anzimati-Aboudou. Broadcasts air on SuperSport across Africa, beIN Sports internationally, and Channel 4 in the UK at 19:00 GMT. Analysts predict a 2-0 Morocco win, citing superior quality despite Comoros' organization.
