All eyes will be on Rabat on Sunday as host nation and tournament favourites Morocco kick off the long-awaited 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The Atlas Lions are chasing a long-elusive continental crown and will hope to end a near five-decade wait, having lifted the trophy only once in 1976, while Comoros return for just their second appearance and aim to improve on a round-of-16 exit in the 2021 edition.
This appears to be an ideal moment for Morocco, with conditions aligning for the North African side, who sit atop the continental rankings and arrive with confidence shaped by sustained success and the advantage of playing on home soil.
A historic World Cup semi-final run in 2022 stands among several recent highlights, with qualification already secured for the next global tournament, alongside triumphs in the African Nations Championship in August and the Arab Cup only weeks ago.
Opening the AFCON on a strong note is the minimum expectation for a side in full stride, particularly as Morocco seek to reconnect with supporters after a disappointing last-16 exit at the previous tournament and they carry impressive momentum into Sunday’s opener.
Meanwhile, Comoros aim to put a difficult Arab Cup campaign behind them after three successive defeats, with the 108th-ranked nation hoping to defy the odds and engineer an upset.
How the bookies view it: Hosts heavily favoured
Morocco were always expected to enter this contest as strong favourites, with history, pedigree, recent performances and home backing all firmly in their favour.
Bookmakers have reflected that gulf emphatically, with odds of 7/50 on Bet365 implying minimal scope for a surprise outcome.
That imbalance is further underlined by a draw priced at 13/2, while a Comoros victory is considered highly unlikely at 16/1.
Recent head-to-head: Atlas Lions in control
Morocco have consistently held the upper hand in this fixture, winning three of the previous four meetings, with the remaining contest ending level.
The sides met as recently as three weeks ago in the Arab Cup, where the hosts claimed a 3-1 success and will look to extend that dominance on Sunday.
Players to watch: Opportunity for Brahim Diaz
Brahim Diaz finished as the leading scorer during AFCON qualifying with seven goals, but he enters the tournament short of rhythm following limited opportunities at Real Madrid.
The AFCON offers a timely platform for renewal, and a goal on Sunday would not surprise, with odds of 7/5 representing tempting value.
For Comoros, Rafiki Said stands out after netting twice during qualification and will aim to cause problems once again, having played a key role in the shock win over Tunisia in 2021.
Probable line-ups
Captain Achraf Hakimi is unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury sustained while on club duty with Paris Saint-Germain.
Meanwhile, striker Hamza Igamane also remains a doubt after suffering a hamstring issue during his recent involvement with Lille.
Comoros report no injury concerns, leaving head coach Stefano Cusin with a full squad to choose from for the opener.
Morocco: Bono; Mazraoui, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Salah-Eddine; Ben Seghir, El Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, En-Nesyri, Ezzalzouli
Comoros: Anzimati-Aboudou; B Youssouf, M’Dahoma, Soilihi, Toibibou, Boura; M’Changama, Z Youssouf, Bourhane; Said, Selemani
Anything else that catches the eye?
Each of the last three AFCON editions has seen the host nation win the tournament curtain-raiser, a trend that strongly favours Morocco.
The Atlas Lions have also won their last eight home matches without conceding, making a win to nil an appealing option.
Comoros have shipped at least two goals in four consecutive outings, which strengthens the case for Morocco scoring twice or more.
The cards market may also offer value, with three of the previous four meetings between these sides producing fewer than four bookings.
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