Rabat, Morocco – The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off today, Sunday, December 21, 2025, amid great anticipation. The Moroccan national team begins its campaign against Comoros in the tournament’s opening match.
The Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21st to January 18th, 2026, with 24 teams participating.
Morocco will kick off the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations when they face Comoros in the opening match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.
Nine stadiums in Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. They are spread across five cities: the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, the Olympic Annex Stadium, the Prince Hassan Sports Complex, the Post Office Stadium, the Mohammed V Stadium, the Grand Stadium of Agadir, the Fez Sports Complex, the Grand Stadium of Marrakech, and the Grand Stadium of Tangier.
The Moroccan national team aims for a strong start in the Africa Cup of Nations, hoping to defeat Comoros and capitalize on home advantage.
The Atlas Lions are aiming to return to the podium at the Africa Cup of Nations, having last won the title in the 1976 edition held in Ethiopia.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui said in a press conference before the match: “We have been working for two years. It will be a big day, on our home ground. Our goal has always been to win the Africa Cup of Nations and give our all. Our fans are with us.”
He also addressed the situation of Achraf Hakimi, saying: “He may participate in the match or he may not. Every match is important. Emotions must be managed, and one must play with confidence and humility.”
In contrast, the Comoros national team enters the match without excessive pressure, but with declared ambition, as it seeks to achieve a surprise against Morocco and embarrass it in front of its home ground and fans.
For his part, Comoros coach Stefano Cusin expressed his pride ahead of this historic event, saying: “It is an exceptional opportunity to introduce our country and our national team. Morocco is a very competitive team, with or without Hakimi. We are looking for the right balance between defense and attack.”
History of matches between Morocco and Comoros
The two national teams, Morocco and Comoros, have only met once in an official competition, during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where Morocco won 2-0 on home soil.
Since then the dynamics have changed, but the Moroccan national team retains the status of the most prominent candidate, especially in Rabat.
As for the Comoros national team, the opening match represents a major test, with hopes of holding firm, causing an upset, and making a strong entrance into the tournament atmosphere from the opening whistle.
Date of the Morocco vs Comoros match in the opening of the Africa Cup of Nations
The Moroccan national team is scheduled to host the Comoros Islands at 11 pm Abu Dhabi time, UAE.
The match between Morocco and Comoros will take place at 10 PM Saudi time, 9 PM Egypt time, and 8 PM Rabat time.
Channels broadcasting the Morocco vs Comoros match in the Africa Cup of Nations
The Qatari network beIN Sports owns the exclusive broadcasting rights for the Africa Cup of Nations matches in North Africa and the Middle East.
Therefore, the Morocco vs. Comoros match can be watched live on beIN SPORTS MAX1 with commentary by Tunisian commentator Issam Chaouali.
The match between Morocco and Comoros can also be watched via the terrestrial frequency of the Moroccan sports channel 3.
