Morocco enter the Africa Cup of Nations as hosts and group favourites, returning to the continental stage with strong form and a deep, experienced squad.
Mali, Zambia and Comoros complete a competitive Group A that features historical ambition, rising talent and teams with a proven capacity to disrupt expectations.
Group A presents one of the most intriguing dynamics of the Africa Cup of Nations: the return of Morocco as tournament hosts for the first time since 1988, the weight of expectation on the continent’s highest-ranked team, and the presence of three sides capable of unsettling the balance — Mali, Zambia and Comoros.
Morocco resume their role on home soil after nearly four decades, entering the tournament as clear contenders. Their trajectory since the 2022 World Cup semi-final run has placed them firmly among the elite in African football.
They qualified for the tournament with a flawless record, scoring 26 goals and conceding only two, underlining both their attacking output and defensive structure.
PSG fullback Achraf Hakimi is expected to anchor the hosts’ forward thrust, while Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz adds creativity and incision in midfield. Sofyan Amrabat and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou provide further stability, giving Morocco a balanced spine as they seek their first continental crown since 1976.
Mali, meanwhile, arrive with the characteristic of a team long considered among Africa’s strongest without having secured the title. The Eagles enter the group phase with a renewed sense of ambition, led by Yves Bissouma in midfield and supported by an emerging generation including Djedje Soumares and Kamory Doumbia. Their blend of experience and emerging talent positions them as competitive challengers.
Zambia, champions in 2012, return looking to improve after exiting in the group stage at the previous tournament. Under Avram Grant, Chipolopolo topped their qualifying group ahead of defending champions Ivory Coast, signalling measurable progress.
Kennedy Musonda, who broke through as a key scorer during qualification, will share attacking responsibilities with Leicester City’s Patson Daka and the influential Fashion Sakala.
Comoros complete the group as the smallest nation but one with a growing reputation. Their debut at the 2021 tournament, where they reached the round of 16, earned widespread respect. They arrive this time unbeaten in qualifying, having finished ahead of Tunisia and Gambia, highlighted by a 1–0 away victory in Tunis that underscored their capacity to disrupt established powers.
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Group A’s key fixtures include the hosts opening their campaign against Comoros in Rabat on 21 December, followed by Mali versus Zambia on 22 December. Morocco face Mali on 26 December in what is likely to be a decisive contest, before Zambia meet Morocco on 29 December in the final round of group matches.
The top two teams qualify automatically for the round of 16, joined by the four best third-placed teams across the six groups.
Photo: Fadel Senna / AFP
