Host nation Morocco kick off their bid for a first continental crown in nearly 50 years when they face the Comoros in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) this Sunday.
As the tournament moves into a festive slot for the first time, all eyes are on Rabat for a Group A curtain-raiser that pits the heavyweight Atlas Lions against an island nation rapidly becoming Africa’s favourite underdog.
When and where is the match
The 35th edition of the tournament officially begins on Sunday, 21 December 2025.
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Kick-off: 19:00 GMT (20:00 local time)
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Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
The opening ceremony is expected to precede the match, beginning approximately 30 minutes before the first whistle.
AFCON 2025. Morocco vs the Comoros: prediction and betting tips
Where to watch the game
beIN Sports Mena, beIN Sports 2, New World TV, Canal+ CAN, DAZN Switzerland, Free, Sunrise TV, SuperSport Grandstand HD, SuperSport MáXimo 360, SuperSport PSL HD.
Team news: big names and the fitness race
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui faces a nervous wait over the fitness of captain Achraf Hakimi. The PSG full-back is battling a knee injury, with a late fitness test expected to determine if he leads the side out in Rabat.
However, the Atlas Lions’ squad is bolstered by the inclusion of Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, who is set for his AFCON debut.
Comoros, meanwhile, arrive with a squad built on continuity. Italian coach Stefano Cusin has kept the core that famously reached the last 16 in 2021, including veteran midfielder Youssouf M’Changama. They have also added fresh blood in the form of Zaid Amir and Yannis Kari, following their standout performances in the Arab Cup.
AFCON 2025. Nine arenas set to define the continental showpiece
The Weight of Expectation
For Morocco, the pressure is immense. Despite being the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, they haven’t won AFCON since 1976. They enter this tournament on an 18-match unbeaten streak, but are wary of the “host’s curse” that has seen many favourites crumble early.
“We have to win the Africa Cup of Nations,” Regragui said in his pre-match press conference. “We are playing at home, we have the quality, but we must show it from the first minute.”
Comoros, currently ranked significantly lower than their hosts, proved they are no pushovers by finishing above Tunisia in qualifying. In their only previous meeting in this competition (2022), Morocco were made to work hard for a 2-0 win.
Group A at a glance
The opening match is just the beginning of what looks to be a competitive Group A.
| Team | Status | Key Player |
| Morocco | Hosts | Achraf Hakimi |
| Comoros | Underdogs | Youssouf M’Changama |
| Mali | Contenders | Yves Bissouma |
| Zambia | Wildcards | Patson Daka |
