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Morocco kick off AFCON 2025 against Comoros

20 December 2025 12:01| © Backpage TXT
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Morocco head coach Walid Regragui admits expectations from the fans are huge, as their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title credentials will be tested off the bat when they face Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, December 21.

Kick-off is at 9pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

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The Atlas Lions last lifted the trophy in 1976 - their one and only success - and they've contested the final just once more, in 2004 which saw them lose 2-1 to hosts Tunisia.

Regragui's side showed they mean business this time around after winning all six of the matches during the qualifiers - the only country to do so - and scoring an impressive 26 goals in the process.

Morocco are on a hot streak, having set a new record for most consecutive wins (16) when they beat Congo 1-0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on October 14, while also claiming the Arab Cup this month.

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The North African giants faced Comoros in their first game of that tournament as well and ran out comfortable 3-1 victors, with Soufiane Bouftini, Tarik Tissoudali and Karim El Berkaoui scoring the goals.

The Coelacanths are making just their second appearance on Africa's biggest stage after reaching the round of 16 on their debut in the 2021 edition when they were also paired with the Atlas Lions.

Stefano Cusin's side went through the qualifying campaign unbeaten with a record of three wins and three draws to finish top of Group A, two points ahead of Tunisia.

However, their warm-up for the continental showpiece didn't go particularly well after losing all three of their matches in the Arab Cup to exit at the group stages.

What was said

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui:

"It is a competition that has not brought us much success. I know how difficult it is for our country to perform in these competitions. Is it mental? Is it adapting to the style of play?

"There have been many questions that we are trying to resolve and progress through over time in order to fix this situation.

"The pressure and the responsibility are enormous. It is a truly passionate country. And when we talk about passion, there are emotions that become hard to manage.

"The public has been waiting for so long that they cannot stop thinking about it. As a coach, you understand the responsibility. Every day, in the street, wherever we are in Morocco, there isn't a single person who doesn't tell me that we absolutely must win it."

Players to watch

Morocco - Big things will be expected from Brahim Diaz, who is making his AFCON bow this year, having switched allegiances from Spain in January 2023 but didn't feature in Ivory Coast last year due to a pre-established agreement. The 26-year-old winger starred for the Atlas Lions in qualifying, scoring seven goals to finish as the top scorer in their group despite missing two games with a hamstring injury.

Comoros - Youssouf M'Changama is the most experienced player in the Coelacanths' squad and he's also their leading appearance-maker with 73 caps. The 35-year-old midfielder has an eye for goal and is challenging Ben Nabouhane to become his country's all-time leading scorer. He is currently four goals behind his compatriot, having scored twice in qualifying and also getting on the scoresheet once during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Head-to-Head

Matches - 4

Morocco wins - 3

Comoros wins - 0

Draws - 1

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