AFCON 2025 gets underway on Sunday night in Rabat as hosts Morocco face Comoros in the tournament’s opening Group A fixture at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
History and expectation both sit firmly with the Atlas Lions. Host nations have won 19 AFCON opening matches, and Morocco will be eager to extend that record while shaking off lingering doubts after their early exit at the previous tournament.
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Africa’s top-ranked side arrive in commanding form, unbeaten in competitive matches since early 2024 and riding a six-game winning streak. Even with several high-profile names unlikely to feature, Morocco still boast depth, structure and attacking quality across the pitch.
Yet Comoros are no strangers to defying the odds. They topped their AFCON qualifying group unbeaten, finishing ahead of Tunisia, and have built a reputation as disciplined opponents capable of unsettling stronger sides. Their breakthrough run to the knockout stages in 2021 remains a warning against complacency.
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Morocco are expected to dominate possession and territory, with Youssef En-Nesyri leading the line and creative support coming from Brahim Díaz and Abde Ezzalzouli.
Comoros, fully fit, will likely sit compact and look to counter. The hosts should have enough to start their campaign with a controlled, professional win rather than a high-scoring spectacle.
Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
