Hosts Morocco will begin their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign with a Group A encounter against Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, December 21, 2025. With the tournament kicking off on home soil, anticipation is high as the Atlas Lions look to start their quest for continental glory in convincing fashion.
Morocco enter the competition as one of the leading favourites. The Atlas Lions are unbeaten in their last 17 competitive matches and boast a well-balanced squad under head coach Walid Regragui, blending tactical organisation, technical excellence and vast international experience. As Africa’s top-ranked national team and semi-finalists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, expectations are firmly on the hosts to deliver a strong opening performance.
Buoyed by home support, Morocco will be targeting an emphatic start as they pursue a first AFCON title since 1976.
Team News
Morocco have been handed a significant boost ahead of the opener, with reports confirming that Achraf Hakimi is fit and available for selection. The reigning African Player of the Year and Paris Saint-Germain defender adds both quality and leadership to the side. Should the coaching staff opt to manage his minutes, Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui is expected to deputise at right-back.
However, the hosts will be without midfielders Sofyan Amrabat and Hamza Igamane, who are sidelined with leg and hamstring injuries respectively. Despite these absences, Morocco’s squad depth provides ample high-level alternatives.
Comoros arrive in Rabat aiming to continue their steady progress on the African football stage. Led by head coach Stefano Cusin, Les Coelacantes come into the match with a fully fit squad and no injury concerns. Although they face a formidable challenge, the underdogs are determined to make a strong impression in only their second AFCON appearance.
Veteran striker El Fardou Ben Nabouhane, 36, is expected to spearhead the attack alongside Rafiki Said, while Faïz Selemani offers an impactful option from the bench.
Kick-Off Time
The AFCON 2025 opening fixture between Morocco and Comoros is scheduled to begin at:
20:00 GMT
2:00 pm ET
7:00 pm BST
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast live across several regions worldwide:
United States: Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT
United Kingdom & Canada: beIN SPORTS 3, beIN SPORTS Connect
Australia: beIN SPORTS 3, beIN SPORTS Connect
Africa: MáXimo 360, SuperSport PSL, DStv App, SuperSport Grandstand, SABC Plus, SABC 2, SA FM
United Arab Emirates: beIN Sports MAX 1–4 Arabia
India: Bet365
Fans outside their usual broadcast regions may require a VPN service to access their preferred streaming platforms.
Match Preview
With Morocco eager to set the tone for their AFCON 2025 campaign and Comoros hoping to spring an early surprise, this Group A clash promises an engaging and competitive opening to the tournament. The hosts will seek to assert their dominance, while Comoros will rely on resilience and belief as they chase a historic result.
Source: Yen.com.gh
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