On Sunday, the eyes of football fans across Africa and around the world will be on Morocco, as the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 kicks off. The Moroccan national team, the host of the tournament, will open the competition with a highly anticipated match against Comoros, in a must-win game for the home side who are aiming for a perfect start.
A golden era and the ambition for a second title
This edition holds exceptional importance for Morocco, not only because it is being held on home soil and in front of its fans, but also because it comes at a time of unprecedented growth for Moroccan football. The Atlas Lions enter the tournament carrying the legacy of their historic achievement at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where they became the first Arab and African team to reach the semi-finals. This global momentum places coach Walid Regragui's squad under intense scrutiny, as Moroccans aspire to end their years of drought and win their second continental title, following their sole victory in 1976 in Ethiopia.
Home advantage and crowd support: a double-edged sword
The Moroccan national team is heavily relying on home advantage and the support of its fans, with the stadium expected to be packed with passionate Moroccan supporters who have historically been considered the team's 12th man in major tournaments. Historically, continental championships have given host nations a clear advantage, with statistics indicating that host countries often succeed in advancing beyond the group stage and reaching the later rounds. However, the coaching staff is aware that this support could turn into psychological pressure if not managed intelligently, especially in the opening match, which is typically characterized by caution and tension.
Technical differences and surprises of the Comoros Islands
On paper, the scales clearly tip in favor of the Moroccan national team, boasting a roster of top professionals playing in major European leagues such as Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. This gives the team tactical versatility and individual brilliance capable of unlocking even the most compact defenses. In contrast, the Comoros national team enters the match with the ambition of being a dark horse, drawing inspiration from their successful run in the 2021 Cameroon edition, where they reached the Round of 16 in a historic achievement. The "Gambia" team relies on collective play and a high fighting spirit, benefiting from the absence of crowd pressure, which could make them a tenacious opponent seeking to snatch a valuable point or capitalize on counter-attacks.
The organizational and economic dimension of the event
Away from the green rectangle, the opening of “CAN 2025” represents an opportunity for Morocco to showcase its organizational capabilities and advanced infrastructure, especially as the Kingdom is about to participate in organizing the 2030 World Cup. This tournament is a real test for the new stadiums and logistical facilities, and it is expected that the tournament will inject a great economic and tourism boost into the host cities, which will enhance Morocco’s position as a destination for global sports.
In conclusion, Achraf Hakimi’s teammates realize that winning the opening match is the magic key to breaking the deadlock of the beginnings, and sending a strong message to the other competitors that this time the cup will not leave Rabat.
