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The long-awaited 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially gets underway today as host nation Morocco takes on Comoros in the opening match of the tournament, setting the stage for a month of continental football across North Africa.
The curtain-raiser will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, a venue that will also host the final.The 35th edition of AFCON runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, featuring 24 national teams competing across multiple Moroccan cities and stadiums.
For Morocco, the opening fixture represents an opportunity to make an early statement in front of a passionate home crowd and reinforce their status as one of the tournament favourites.
Morocco enter the competition with significant expectations following an impressive build-up. The Atlas Lions were dominant in qualifying, winning all their matches and showcasing both defensive solidity and attacking flair.
Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui, has spent weeks preparing his squad for the pressures that come with hosting AFCON, emphasizing discipline, tactical balance, and emotional control.
Much attention has been on the fitness of captain Achraf Hakimi, who recently returned from injury and is expected to play a key role as Morocco launch their title challenge.Beyond form and preparation, Morocco’s confidence has also been boosted by recent success on home soil, including winning regional silverware earlier in the year.
With a squad packed with Europe-based stars and growing belief among supporters, anything short of a strong start would be seen as a disappointment.
Standing in their way are Comoros, a team determined to embrace the underdog role. The island nation is making only its second appearance at AFCON, having captured continental attention during their debut in 2021 when they reached the knockout stages.
Their presence at this tournament is no fluke; Comoros qualified unbeaten, demonstrating organization, resilience, and a fearless approach against more established opponents.
Comoros Head coach Stefano Cusin has urged his players to approach the opening match without intimidation, stressing that the pressure lies squarely on the hosts.
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Key figures such as midfielder Youssouf M’Changama have spoken openly about the team’s belief and desire to show that Comoros belong on Africa’s biggest football stage.
The Morocco-Comoros clash opens Group A, which also includes Mali and Zambia, two sides with strong AFCON pedigrees. With only a limited number of group matches, securing early points is vital, making the opener especially significant for both teams.
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