Hosts Morocco kick off AFCON 2025 against Comoros

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Hosts Morocco kick off AFCON 2025 against Comoros
Soufiane Rahimi of Morocco (c) celebrates goal with teammates during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers match between Morocco and Central African Republic at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco on 12 October 2024 ©Nabil Ramdani/BackpagePix - Photo by Icon Sport

Morocco begin their AFCON 2025 campaign with a high-pressure clash against Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, December 21.

Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm CAT (GMT+2) live on SABC Sport and SuperSport TV.

Morocco’s Current Form

Head coach Walid Regragui admits expectations are immense as the Atlas Lions aim to end decades of frustration. Morocco last won the trophy in 1976, their only AFCON triumph, and reached the final once more in 2004, losing 2–1 to Tunisia.

This time, Regragui’s side arrive in Morocco as one of the favourites. They were the only nation to win all six qualifying matches, scoring an impressive 26 goals.

The Atlas Lions are also riding a record-breaking run of 16 consecutive victories, including a 1–0 win over Congo in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, and recently lifted the Arab Cup.

In that tournament, they also faced Comoros in their opening game, winning 3–1 thanks to goals from Soufiane Bouftini, Tarik Tissoudali, and Karim El Berkaoui.

Comoros’ Challenge

The Coelacanths are making just their second AFCON appearance, having reached the round of 16 on debut in 2021. Under coach Stefano Cusin, they impressed in qualifying, finishing unbeaten with three wins and three draws to top Group A ahead of Tunisia.

However, their preparations for AFCON 2025 were less convincing, as they lost all three matches in the Arab Cup and exited at the group stage.

What Was Said

Morocco coach Walid Regragui acknowledged the weight of expectation:

“It is a competition that has not brought us much success. The pressure and responsibility are enormous. Morocco is a truly passionate country, and every day people remind me that we absolutely must win it.”

Players to Watch

  • Morocco: All eyes will be on Brahim Diaz, making his AFCON debut after switching allegiance from Spain in 2023. The 26-year-old winger was Morocco’s top scorer in qualifying with seven goals, despite missing two games through injury.
  • Comoros: Veteran midfielder Youssouf M’Changama leads the squad with 73 caps. At 35, he remains a key figure and is chasing Ben Nabouhane’s record as Comoros’ all-time top scorer, sitting just four goals behind.

Head-to-Head Record

Morocco and Comoros have met four times. The Atlas Lions hold the upper hand with three wins, while Comoros have yet to register a victory. One match ended in a draw.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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