The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 officially gets underway this Sunday night at the iconic Complexe Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, where hosts Morocco face Comoros in the tournament’s opening match. For the Atlas Lions, the wait is over. Playing on home soil, in front of a passionate crowd, Morocco begin a campaign shaped by one clear ambition: to lift the AFCON trophy in Rabat. The stadium is ready, the atmosphere is building, and expectations are immense. Over the past weeks, head coach Walid Regragui and his technical staff have overseen an intense and methodical preparati
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 officially gets underway this Sunday night at the iconic Complexe Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, where hosts Morocco face Comoros in the tournament’s opening match. For the Atlas Lions, the wait is over. Playing on home soil, in front of a passionate crowd, Morocco begin a campaign shaped by one clear ambition: to lift the AFCON trophy in Rabat. The stadium is ready, the atmosphere is building, and expectations are immense. Over the past weeks, head coach Walid Regragui and his technical staff have overseen an intense and methodical preparation process. Tactical organisation, physical conditioning, and psychological readiness have all been prioritised as Morocco fine-tune their approach for the opening night. Final adjustments have also been influenced by the fitness situations of key players, including Achraf Hakimi, Hamza Igamane, and Sofyan Amrabat, forcing careful squad management ahead of kick-off. Despite those concerns, confidence remains high within the Moroccan camp. Regragui has repeatedly stressed the importance of composure, discipline, and collective belief—especially with the pressure that comes from hosting a continental tournament. Comoros, on the other hand, arrive in Rabat with ambition rather than fear. While considered underdogs on paper, the Coelacanths are determined to compete with intensity and pride. Head coach Stefano Cusin has had limited time to prepare his squad collectively, but every session has been used to strengthen cohesion and tactical balance. For Comoros, the opening match represents more than just three points. It is an opportunity to affirm their place on Africa’s biggest football stage and to test themselves against one of the continent’s strongest sides. Voices from Both Camps Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui highlighted the long-term preparation behind this moment: “We have been working for two years. It will be a big day, at home. Our objective has always been to win the AFCON and to give everything. Our supporters are with us.” Addressing the situation of Achraf Hakimi, he added: “He may start, or he may not. Every match is important. We will have to manage emotions and play with confidence and humility.” On the Comoros side, Stefano Cusin spoke of pride and balance: “It is an exceptional opportunity to showcase our country and our team. Morocco are extremely competitive, with or without Hakimi. We are looking for the right balance between defence and attack.” Midfielder Youssouf M’Changama echoed that sentiment: “Playing in the opening match is a great source of pride. We want to continue raising the level of Comorian football.”
Walid Regragui, Morocco head coach: “We have prepared for this moment for two years. Playing at home comes with pressure, but also pride. Our goal is clear: to give everything and win this AFCON with our supporters behind us.”
Stefano Cusin, Comoros head coach: “Facing Morocco in the opening match is a huge challenge, but also a proud moment for our country. We want to find the right balance and show that Comorian football belongs on this stage.”
Match Context and Statistics
Morocco and Comoros have met only once in official competition, during the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 qualifiers, when Morocco secured a 2–0 victory at home. While circumstances have evolved since then, the Atlas Lions remain strong favourites—especially in Rabat. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 local time, under the lights of the Complexe Moulay Abdellah. As the first whistle sounds, Morocco will look to set the tone for their home tournament with authority, while Comoros will hope to defy expectations and announce themselves from the very first match. The stage is set for an opening night rich in emotion, pressure, and possibility.
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