"This marks Morocco's 20th appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, with expectation weighing heavily on a squad that reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 but has often flattered to deceive on the continental stage. The Atlas Lions are seeking only their second AFCON title, and their first since 1976. Hosting the tournament in 1988 yielded just a semi-final appearance, and since losing the 2004 final, Morocco's best performances have been quarter-final exits in 2017 and 2021."
"Nineteen host nations have won their opening match at AFCON, and the Atlas Lions will be aiming to make it 20 when they face a Comoros side with a growing reputation for causing upsets. Morocco kick off their AFCON 2025 journey at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium determined to avoid becoming just the sixth host nation, and the first since Burkina Faso in 1998, to lose their opening fixture."
Morocco begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Rabat against Comoros, aiming to uphold the strong record of host nations winning opening matches. Nineteen host nations have won their opening AFCON matches, and Morocco will try to become the twentieth while avoiding becoming the sixth host to lose their opener, and the first since Burkina Faso in 1998. Walid Regragui's side remain confident despite a physically compromised Achraf Hakimi. Morocco make their twentieth AFCON appearance seeking a second title and their first since 1976, having underachieved continentally despite a 2022 World Cup semi-final run. Comoros have a growing upset reputation, reached the 2021 knockout phase, went unbeaten in qualification, and will draw encouragement from a 2-2 draw with Morocco.
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