The curtain rises on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tomorrow in Rabat, where hosts Morocco begin their quest for continental redemption against an increasingly confident Comoros side in Group A. It is a fixture that pairs pedigree with persistence, and one that already carries the unmistakable tension of an AFCON opener.
This will be Morocco’s 20th appearance at the finals and their second time hosting, the first coming in 1988 when an opening-day draw against DR Congo set a cautious tone. More than three decades later, the Atlas Lions return as a far more complete football nation, yet still chasing a second AFCON crown to add to their lone triumph in 1976.
Walid Regragui’s squad arrives under heavy scrutiny. World Cup semi-finalists in 2022 and Africa’s top-ranked team, Morocco are expected to dominate on home soil. Their recent continental record supports that belief. They are unbeaten in their last 11 AFCON group matches, have won their opening fixture at each of the last three editions, and have kept clean sheets in their opening games across the last five tournaments.
Even so, absentees could test their depth. Achraf Hakimi is unlikely to feature as he continues recovery from an ankle issue, while Sofyan Amrabat and Hamza Igamane are also doubtful. Responsibility will therefore fall heavily on the spine of the team. Goalkeeper Bono offers experience and calm, Nayef Aguerd anchors the defense, and Ismael Saibari brings energy and penetration from midfield. Up front, Youssef En Nesyri remains the reference point, having scored more goals than any other player in the current squad, while Brahim Díaz, the top scorer during qualifying, provides creativity despite limited club minutes in recent weeks.
Comoros, meanwhile, are no longer content with being labelled debutants or outsiders. This is only their second AFCON appearance, but their journey here reflects steady growth rather than surprise. They qualified unbeaten from a demanding group, recording three wins and three draws while conceding just four goals, their best defensive record in any AFCON campaign.
Their squad is built on continuity and collective discipline. Warmed Omari and Saïd Bakari played every minute of the qualification campaign, forming the backbone of a team that values structure and resilience. In midfield, Youssouf M’Changama remains the heartbeat, capable of controlling tempo and delivering decisive moments, while Rafiki Saïd provides pace and threat in transition. Whether veteran El Fardou Ben Nabouhane or the younger Faïz Selemani leads the line, Comoros are comfortable waiting for the right moment to strike.
Their AFCON history already includes a statement victory over Ghana and a Round of 16 appearance on Afcon debut 2021 edition , achievements that continue to fuel belief. Although they have yet to keep a clean sheet at the finals, most of their goals at this level have come after the break, reinforcing their reputation as late-game disruptors.
As the continental showcase begins, Morocco will aim to assert authority early and avoid the kind of stumble that has haunted hosts before them. Comoros, disciplined and fearless, will look to stretch the game and test whether reputation alone can decide an AFCON opener.
