AFCON 2025: Morocco launch campaign riding historic winning run on home soil

Morocco begin their Africa Cup of Nations journey as hosts with momentum rarely seen in the modern history of the competition, stepping into the opening match against Comoros backed by an extraordinary sequence of victories and growing continental expectation.

The Atlas Lions open the 35th edition of the tournament on Sunday evening at 8:00 PM GMT, carrying with them an unbeaten confidence forged over months of sustained success.

Since March 2024, Morocco have compiled a remarkable run of 18 consecutive victories, a sequence that has elevated them to the summit of African teams in the FIFA world rankings and placed them firmly among the leading contenders for the title.

Hosting the Africa Cup of Nations brings both opportunity and pressure, yet the Moroccan camp appears comfortable with the spotlight.

Under the guidance of head coach Walid Regragui, the team has built a reputation for consistency, discipline and efficiency, qualities that have underpinned their long winning streak.

The opening fixture against Comoros is seen as the first test of whether that form can be translated seamlessly into tournament football.

Morocco’s status as hosts inevitably positions them as one of the central attractions of the competition.

Playing on familiar ground, in front of home supporters, adds another layer to their ambition of lifting the trophy.

Regragui has repeatedly emphasized the importance of embracing the occasion while remaining focused on performance rather than expectation.

Speaking ahead of the opener, the coach outlined both a sporting and cultural vision for the tournament.

“I have two wishes. First, that many people will visit our beautiful country for the Africa Cup of Nations, and second, that Morocco will be crowned champion,” Regragui said.

The statement reflects a broader narrative in which the tournament is not only about results on the pitch, but also about showcasing Morocco as a host nation.

Despite their impressive form, Morocco are not the only team arriving with ambitions of continental glory.

Several heavyweights are lining up with realistic hopes of challenging for the trophy.

Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon and defending champions Ivory Coast are all widely regarded as serious contenders, underlining the competitive depth of this edition.

That context makes Morocco’s opening match particularly significant.

A strong start would reinforce belief within the squad and among supporters, while any slip could quickly intensify scrutiny.

The long winning streak offers reassurance, but tournament football is known for its unpredictability, especially in early group-stage encounters.

The Atlas Lions’ recent success has been built on balance and control rather than flamboyance, a formula that Regragui has carefully refined.

As the tournament begins, attention will be on how that approach holds up under the dual pressures of expectation and occasion.

For Morocco, the challenge is clear: convert momentum into medals.

With a record run behind them, home advantage on their side and a confident group assembled, the opening night against Comoros marks the first step in what they hope will be a memorable campaign.

Whether the impressive sequence of victories continues will be revealed on the pitch, where reputation alone offers no guarantees.