Host nation Morocco face Comoros in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening fixture on Sunday.
Morocco qualified automatically for the tournament as hosts, although they participated in qualifying and finished top of their group.
Comoros also claimed top spot in their group to qualify for the finals for the second time in their history.
Match preview
Morocco are one of the favourites to win the AFCON and will be aiming to start the tournament on a bright note with a victory.
The Atlas Lions are unbeaten in their last 17 competitive games, making them clear favourites for this game.
Both sides have met four times, with Morocco winning three and drawing the other encounter.
Comoros are a decent defensive side, conceding just four goals during qualifying. They will be hoping to use their resilience to stifle Morocco’s attack.
Stefano Cusin’s side will look to exploit the spaces left behind by the marauding Morocco full-backs.
Team news
Morocco is likely to be without the reigning African Player of the Year, Achraf Hakimi, allowing Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui to start at right-back. Comoros have no injury concerns.
Potential starting line-ups
Morocco (4-3-3): Yassine Bounou, Noussair Mazraoui, Jawad El Yamiq, Romain Saiss, Anass Salah-Eddine, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Neil El Aynaoui, Brahim Diaz, Youssef En-Nesyri, Ismael Saibari
Comoros (3-4-1-2): Adel Anzimati-Aboudou, Ahmed Soilihi, Kenan Toibibou, Kassim M’Dahoma, Ismael Boura, Youssouf M’Changama, Yacine Bourhane, Bendjaloud Youssouf, Zaydou Youssouf, Rafiki Said, Faiz Selemani.
Prediction
Morocco are fancied to kick off their AFCON campaign with a 2-0 victory.
Stats from whoscored.com & cafonline.com.
