Morocco have won three of their four previous meetings with Comoros. This includes a 2-0 victory in Yaoundé during the 2022 AFCON, as well as a 3-1 win during the FIFA Arab Cup earlier this month in Al-Rayyan.
Morocco vs Comoros preview
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations begins in Rabāṭ on Sunday night, but will this be the start of a triumphant run for hosts Morocco? Three years ago, the Atlas Lions became the first-ever African nation to reach a World Cup semi-finals, enjoying victories over Belgium, Spain and then Portugal en route. Now, Walid Regragui is under pressure to deliver only his country's second-ever AFCON title, hoisting the trophy aloft back in 1976, but not since.
Well, in more recent history, Morocco have not gone beyond the quarter-finals of this competition since being runners-up at the 2004 edition. Just under two years ago, they were ousted by South Africa in the round of 16 in San Pédro, but are expected to do much better on home soil. At next summer's World Cup, the Atlas Lions will face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, with many tipping them as dark horses, as well as being favourites to head stateside as African champions. So, will they make a winning start to their AFCON campaign at the newly-opened Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah?
As for Comoros, they're looking to spoil the party. Made up of three volcanic islands in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar, Comoros has an estimated population of just 883,000, only three CAF members are smaller, making their presence at this tournament remarkable. Well, the Coelacanths actually debuted at the 2022 AFCON, memorably beating Ghana 3-2 on the final matchday to reach the knockouts. One there, they were only narrowly defeated 2-1 by hosts Cameroon in Yaoundé, despite the fact, in bizarre scenes, left-back Chaker Alhadhur had to don the gloves, with all regular goalkeepers either injured or self-isolating following a mini Covid-19 outbreak.
This time round, Comoros topped their qualifying group unbeaten, above Tunisia, The Gambia and neighbours Madagascar, suggesting they cannot be taken lightly. Nevertheless, most expect Morocco will make a winning start in front of almost 70,000 spectators on Sunday night.
Morocco vs Comoros head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 4.
- Morocco Wins: 3. Draws: 1. Comoros Wins: Zero.
Morocco team news
All the pre-tournament talk in Morocco has been about the availability of their captain. Achraf Hakimi suffered a sprained ankle against Bayern Munich just 47 days ago, but has been included in Walid Regragui's squad, set to feature at some stage, albeit this opener is likely to come too soon.
So, Manchester United Noussair Mazraoui will deputise at right-back with Anass Salah-Eddine, who only switched his allegiance from Netherlands in October, on the opposite side.
World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi will partner Sofyan Amrabat at the base of midfield, with Brahim Díaz, Abde Ezzalzouli, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Chemsdine Talbi all good options to start out-wide.
Lastly, former Rangers striker Hamza Igamane, now of Lille, has had to withdraw from the squad after suffering a right leg adductor muscle injury against Olympique Marseille earlier this month.
Morocco predicted lineup vs Comoros: (4-3-3): Bounou; Mazraoui, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Salah-Eddine; Amrabat, Ounahi, El Aynaoui; Brahim Díaz, Abde, En-Nesyri.
Morocco player to watch vs Comoros
Youssef En-Nesyri is the top-scorer in the Morocco squad with 25 goals, on target at each of the last four editions of AFCON, so can he open his account for this campaign on opening night?
Comoros team news
Fair to say, not quite so many familiar faces in Stefano Cusin's squad.
Veteran midfielder Youssouf M'Changama is their most-capped player with 71, while his midfield partner Iyad Mohamed is plying his trade for Casa Pia in the Primeira Liga. Salim Ben Boina will be the number one, hoping not to run out of goalkeepers as was the case four years ago.
Comoros predicted lineup vs Morocco: (5-3-2): Ben Boina; Bakari, M'Dahoma, Soilihi, Toibibou, Boura; M'Changama, Mohamed, Youssouf; Saïd, Selemani.
Comoros player to watch vs Morocco
Rafiki Saïd has scored three times in this season's Jupiler Pro League for his club Standard Liège, as well as netting eight times in just 17 appearances for Comoros, so could he be the Coelacanths hero?
Morocco vs Comoros prediction
We cannot see any other outcome than a comfortable Morocco victory at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, likely to make light work of Comoros on opening night: Morocco 2-0 Comoros.
Morocco vs Comoros FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Morocco vs Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Morocco vs Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: E4
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Morocco vs Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Morocco vs Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Morocco vs Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Morocco vs Comoros takes place on Sunday 21 December 2025, with kick off at 19:00 (GMT), 14:00 (ET) & 11:00 (PT).