The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations officially gets underway tonight as host nation Morocco welcome Comoros in the opening match of Africa's flagship football competition at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 UTC.
Morocco Under Pressure as Hosts
Ranked 11th in the world and the highest-placed African nation on the FIFA rankings, Morocco enter the tournament as one of the clear favorites. The Atlas Lions carry the weight of expectation following their historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals in Qatar.
However, Morocco's continental record tells a different story. Despite their global success, they have won the Africa Cup of Nations only once, lifting the trophy in 1976. Their best AFCON showing since reaching the final in 2004 has been quarter-final appearances in 2017 and 2021.
Head coach Walid Regragui will be without star full-back Achraf Hakimi, who is currently sidelined through injury, though there is optimism he could feature later in the tournament. Youssef En-Nesyri, with 25 goals in 85 international appearances, is expected to lead the attack alongside the dynamic Ismael Saibari.
Comoros: The Fearless Underdogs
Standing in Morocco's way are Comoros, ranked 108th globally, a side still carving out its identity on the continental stage but carrying the fearless spirit that has defined their brief AFCON history.
The Coelacanths made a remarkable debut at AFCON 2021, advancing to the knockout stage in their first appearance. That run was highlighted by a famous 3-2 victory over Ghana in the group stage, a result that announced their arrival on the African football map.
Coach Stefano Cusin's side topped their AFCON 2025 qualification group unbeaten, finishing ahead of Tunisia, Gambia, and Madagascar with 12 points. Their finest result was defeating Tunisia in Tunis.
Head-to-Head Record
Morocco and Comoros have met four times previously, with the Atlas Lions winning three matches and one ending in a draw. Their most recent encounter came at the 2021 AFCON, where Morocco won 2-0 in Yaoundé with goals from Selim Amallah and Zakaria Aboukhlal.
What to Watch For
Morocco have won their opening match at each of the last three AFCON editions (2019, 2021, and 2023). They are undefeated in their last 11 AFCON group matches. Comoros, meanwhile, lost their opening match in 2021 against Gabon but went on to qualify for the knockout rounds.
With nearly 70,000 fans expected at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco will aim to start AFCON 2025 with a statement victory. Comoros arrive with nothing to lose and memories of past resilience, hoping to once again defy the odds on Africa's biggest stage.