The eyes of the footballing world turn to Rabat on Sunday, December 21, 2025, as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially kicks off. Host nation Morocco welcomes the resilient Comoros to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium for the tournament’s opening fixture. This Group A clash is more than just a ceremonial curtain-raiser; it represents the start of a high-stakes journey for an Atlas Lions side burdened by the weight of a nation’s expectations and a Comoros team eager to cement their status as Africa’s ultimate giant-killers.
As the first AFCON to be held during the winter festive period, the atmosphere in Morocco is electric. With the host nation looking to end a nearly 50-year drought since their only continental title in 1976, every minute of this opening match will be scrutinized by millions.
Morocco: The Host Nation’s Quest for Glory
Since their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Morocco has solidified its position as the top-ranked team in Africa. Under the leadership of Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions have built a squad that blends elite European experience with technical flair. However, AFCON has historically been a difficult hurdle for Morocco; despite their talent, they have frequently struggled to translate global dominance into continental silverware.
Morocco entered the tournament with an impeccable qualifying record, winning all six of their matches while scoring a staggering 26 goals. The introduction of Brahim Díaz, who switched allegiance from Spain in 2024, has added a new dimension to their attack. Díaz’s ability to operate in tight spaces and create chances from nothing makes him the player to watch throughout the tournament.
Comoros: The Rise of the Coelacanths
Comoros may be one of the smaller nations in the competition, but their recent history proves they are not to be underestimated. After a fairy-tale debut in the 2021 edition where they reached the knockout stages, the "Coelacanths" have continued to improve under head coach Stefano Cusin.
Comoros arrives in Rabat having topped a challenging qualifying group that included Tunisia. Their success is built on a foundation of collective discipline and a rapid transition game. While they lack the individual superstars found in the Moroccan ranks, their cohesion and work rate have allowed them to cause significant upsets in the past. For Comoros, the objective is simple: frustrate the hosts, survive the early pressure, and exploit any defensive lapses on the counter-attack.
Tactical Breakdown: Possession vs. Transition
Morocco’s High-Pressing 4-3-3
Walid Regragui is expected to deploy a fluid 4-3-3 formation designed to dominate possession and stretch the opposition. In the absence of captain Achraf Hakimi, who is recovering from a minor ankle injury, the tactical focus will shift slightly. Anass Salah-Eddine is likely to step in at right-back, offering a more defensive profile but still supporting the attack.
The midfield trio of Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, and Neil El Aynaoui will be the engine room. Amrabat provides the defensive screen, allowing Ounahi and Díaz to find pockets of space between the lines. Morocco will likely look to overload the flanks, using the pace of Abde Ezzalzouli and the clinical movement of Youssef En-Nesyri to break down a deep-seated Comoros defense.
Comoros’ Compact 3-4-1-2
To counter Morocco’s attacking wealth, Stefano Cusin will likely utilize a 3-4-1-2 or a 5-3-2 mid-block. By packing the center of the pitch, Comoros aims to force Morocco into wide areas where they can double-team the wingers.
The key for Comoros lies in Youssouf M’Changama. The veteran midfielder is the primary playmaker and a dead-ball specialist. If Comoros can win set-pieces in the final third, M’Changama’s delivery will be their most potent weapon. Up front, Faïz Selemani and Rafiki Saïd provide the speed necessary to exploit the high defensive line that Morocco typically employs.
Team News and Predicted Starting Lineups
Morocco Team News
The biggest talking point is the fitness of Achraf Hakimi. While he has been named in the squad, Regragui is unlikely to risk his star defender in the opener to ensure he is 100% for the knockout stages. Beyond Hakimi, Morocco boasts a fully fit squad with Yassine Bounou ready to marshal the defense.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Bounou; Salah-Eddine, Aguerd, Saïss, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Ounahi, El Aynaoui; Brahim Díaz, En-Nesyri, Ezzalzouli.
Comoros Team News
Comoros received a major blow prior to the tournament with the loss of Warmed Omari to a long-term ankle injury. However, the inclusion of young talents Zaid Amir and Yannis Kari has provided a boost in energy.
Predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Anzimati-Aboudou; M’Dahoma, Toibibou, Soilihi; Boura, M’Changama, Bourhane, Benjaloud; Zaydou Youssouf; Selemani, Rafiki Saïd.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Morocco holds a clear historical advantage over Comoros. In their four previous meetings, the Atlas Lions have won three times, with one match ending in a draw.
Last Meeting: Morocco 2-0 Comoros (AFCON 2021 Group Stage)
Overall Record: Morocco 3 Wins, 1 Draw, 0 Losses.
Goals Scored: Morocco 8, Comoros 3.
Notably, Morocco has kept a clean sheet in each of their last five AFCON opening matches, a record they will be determined to maintain in front of their home crowd.
Key Matchups to Watch
Brahim Díaz vs. Kenan Toibibou: Díaz’s debut on the continental stage will be a baptism of fire. Toibibou will need to stay disciplined and avoid being pulled out of position by Díaz’s intelligent drifting between midfield and attack.
Youssef En-Nesyri vs. The Three-Man Defense: En-Nesyri is a master of aerial duels. If Comoros fails to track his runs or prevent crosses from Ezzalzouli and Mazraoui, the Sevilla striker could have a field day.
Sofyan Amrabat vs. Youssouf M’Changama: This battle for midfield supremacy will dictate the tempo. If Amrabat can neutralize M’Changama’s creative output, Comoros will struggle to find any attacking rhythm.
Match Prediction: A Statement Win for the Hosts
Opening matches are notoriously cagey, often characterized by nerves and tactical caution. However, the sheer depth of talent at Regragui’s disposal, combined with the partisan home crowd, makes Morocco the overwhelming favorites. While Comoros will be organized and difficult to break down initially, the individual brilliance of players like Brahim Díaz should eventually tell.
Final Prediction: Morocco 3-0 Comoros
