Host nation Morocco and Comoros will kick off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign as both sides face off in Sunday’s curtain-raiser at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Tipped as tournament favourites, the Atlas Lions are chasing their second continental title, with their only previous triumph coming in 1976, while Les Coelacantes enter with a more modest history, having only appeared in the 2021 edition.
Our Morocco vs Comoros prediction provides a clear look at this fixture, while additional AFCON betting tips are also available.
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Morocco vs Comoros prediction: Atlas Lions to dominate
Key stats:
- Morocco have won 11 of their 13 matches across all competitions within 90 minutes.
- Comoros have conceded two or more goals in each of their last four games.
- The host nation has emerged victorious in the curtain-raiser of the last three AFCON tournaments.
- Comoros enter the tournament on a three-game losing streak, all from the recently concluded Arab Cup.
Correct score prediction: Morocco 2–0 Comoros
This match features two teams at opposite ends in terms of quality and recent results, with Morocco, who reached the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, aiming to add further silverware to their record.
The North Africans have enjoyed a successful 2025, securing qualification for the World Cup, winning the African Nations Championship in August and recently lifting the Arab Cup.
Starting the AFCON with a win is the least surprising expectation for the Atlas Lions, who will be bolstered by home support, while Comoros’ poor recent form is likely to make Morocco’s task easier.
Meanwhile, Les Coelacantes have consistently shown attacking intent, scoring in each of their last six matches, though they are expected to struggle against Morocco’s disciplined defence.
Pre-match analysis: Minimal chance for the visitors
- HOME: 1/7 (1.14) – 87.5%
- DRAW: 11/2 (6.50) – 13.3%
- AWAY: 12/1 (13.00) – 7.7%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change*
The odds reflect the clear gap in quality between the two sides, with Morocco’s 87.5% implied chance of victory suggesting anything other than a home win would be a major surprise.
Comoros’ 7.7% chance of taking all three points further highlights the challenge facing the visitors.
Most recent head-to-head: Second meeting in three weeks
Morocco and Comoros recently met in the Arab Cup three weeks ago, with the North Africans emerging 3-1 winners.
This means Morocco have won three of their four games against Comoros, the remaining match ending in a draw.
Africa Cup of Nations 14/01/22
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Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 16/10/18
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Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 13/10/18
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Morocco preview: Key defender doubtful despite squad inclusion
Captain Achraf Hakimi is a doubt for Sunday’s opener despite his inclusion in the AFCON squad, though reports indicate he is on his way to full recovery from an ankle injury sustained with his club six weeks ago.
Walid Regragui’s 28-man squad includes several players of high quality who feature for major clubs in Europe and Asia.
Al Hilal’s Yassine Bounou is expected to start in goal, with Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui likely in defence. Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz and Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri are expected to feature in attack, with Olympiacos’ Ayoub El Kaabi as an alternative in attack.
Predicted XI: Bounou (GK), Mazraoui, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Salah-Eddine, Ben Seghir, El Aynaoui, Saibari, Diaz, En Nesyri & Ezzalzouli
Morocco’s last five results:
- 15/12/25: Morocco 3–0 United Arab Emirates (W)
- 11/12/25: Morocco 1–0 Syria (W)
- 08/12/25: Morocco 1–0 Saudi Arabia (W)
- 02/12/25: Morocco 3–1 Comoros (W)
- 18/11/25: Morocco 4–0 Uganda (W)
Comoros preview: Can the visitors upset the hosts?
Comoros have a fully fit squad ahead of Sunday’s opener. Head coach Stefano Cusin’s 26-man group combines experience and youth.
Midfielder Youssouf M’Changama holds the most caps (67), while veteran El Fardou Ben Nabouhane has scored the most goals (16) among selected players, and it remains to be seen whether he or Faiz Selemani will lead the attack.
Predicted XI: Anzimati-Aboudou (GK), Youssouf B., M’Dahoma, Soilihi, Toibibou, Boura, M’Changama, Youssouf Z., Bourhane, Said & Selemani
Comoros’ last five results:
- 08/12/25: Oman 2–1 Comoros (L)
- 05/12/25: Comoros 1–3 Saudi Arabia (L)
- 02/12/25: Morocco 3–1 Comoros (L)
- 26/11/25: Comoros 5–4 Yemen (W)
- 17/11/25: Comoros 4–0 Namibia (W)
Player to watch: Youssef En-Nesyri
The AFCON provides a chance for Youssef En-Nesyri to reset after a difficult period, having scored just once in his last nine appearances for club and country, so it will be interesting to see how he responds on Sunday.