2025 AFCON Match Preview: Morocco vs Comoros
Morocco will kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on December 21 as hosts, facing a resilient Comoros side. The Atlas Lions enter the tournament under pressure, having reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 and carrying the weight of past continental expectations. Meanwhile, Comoros arrive with confidence after an unbeaten qualifying run and a memorable 2021 debut where they reached the last 16.
Morocco’s preparations have been hit by injuries to key players. Achraf Hakimi is unlikely to feature due to an ankle problem, while Sofyan Amrabat and Hamza Igmane also face fitness doubts with leg and hamstring issues. Despite these setbacks, the hosts can rely on Youssef En-Nesyri, their all-time top scorer with 25 goals, who will be crucial in attack. Brahim Diaz, the team’s leading qualifier with the most goals, has struggled for form recently.
Comoros, on the other hand, boast a fully fit squad with no major injury concerns. Their qualification campaign was impressive, finishing unbeaten and securing two victories over Tunisia. This follows their surprise run in 2021, where they defied expectations by reaching the knockout stage in their first-ever AFCON appearance. Morocco’s recent Cup of Nations history shows two quarter-final finishes in 2017 and 2021, but they have not progressed further since 2004. As hosts, avoiding an opening-match defeat will be a priority, especially against a side growing in confidence.
The match will test Morocco’s ability to overcome absences and deliver under pressure. Comoros, unfazed by their underdog status, will look to build on their solid qualifying form and past tournament upsets. Both teams have clear objectives: Morocco seeks a strong start as hosts, while Comoros aims to prove their 2021 success was no fluke.
