AFCON 2025: Morocco vs Comoros Preview, Talking Points And All You Need To Know

Morocco will kick off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday with a Group A clash against Comoros, as Africa’s biggest football spectacle gets underway in Rabat.

The Atlas Lions, hosts of the tournament, head into the tournament as one of the standout favourites, strengthened by home advantage and a growing reputation forged through recent international performances.

Yet alongside the optimism comes pressure, as Morocco pursue only their second AFCON crown and their first since their historic triumph in 1976.

While Morocco have enjoyed notable success on the global stage in recent years at various levels, continental glory has remained frustratingly out of reach. The North Africans have not progressed to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in over two decades, making Sunday’s opening fixture a key opportunity to set an early marker and underline their title credentials.

Comoros arrive in Morocco with little external expectation but increasing belief born from past experience. The Coelacanths are featuring at the Africa Cup of Nations for just the second time, having stunned many on their debut appearance in 2021 by advancing to the knockout stages, barely 17 years after becoming members of the Confederation of African Football.

A repeat of that achievement would be another landmark moment for the island nation, while any positive result against the hosts would rank among the greatest achievements in Comorian football history.

Morocco are expected to lean on their attacking strength to make a statement in the tournament opener. Youssef En-Nesyri is tipped to lead the line, bringing a proven scoring record of 25 goals from 85 international appearances.

He is likely to be supported by Ismael Saibari, whose recent form has added creativity and depth to Morocco’s attacking options.

Although influential full-back Achraf Hakimi is sidelined with injury, he is expected to return later in the competition, leaving the hosts confident in the overall quality and balance within their squad.

Comoros, on the other hand, will look to Myziane Maolida to provide attacking spark, with captain Youssouf M’Changama offering leadership and experience in key moments. Defensive discipline and tactical organisation are expected to be central to their game plan as they attempt to contain one of Africa’s highest-ranked sides.

History also favours Morocco, who have won three of the four previous meetings between the two teams, with the other encounter ending in a draw. Pre-match odds similarly point to a comfortable home victory.

With a sold-out stadium, the energy of the opening ceremony and the weight of national expectation, Morocco will be eager to deliver a convincing performance as AFCON 2025 gets underway on Sunday night, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 pm Nigerian time.

Prediction:

Morocco 3-1 Comoros

Congolese 🇨🇩 referee Jean Jacques Ndala has been appointed to officiate the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, featuring Morocco 🇲🇦 vs Comoros 🇰🇲.

A big moment on the continental stage, Ndala will be supported by experienced official Dahane Beida in the VAR role,… pic.twitter.com/VmUj2NL1O1

— Olt Sports (@oltsport_) December 20, 2025