Cusin reveals why Comoros will play without pressure at AFCON 2025

Comoros national team head coach Stefano Cusin has explained why they will head into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) without any fear or pressure.

Under the guidance of Cusin, Comoros has transformed from underdogs into a team capable of upsetting the continent’s heavyweights. Comoros secured their spot at the AFCON by finishing top of Group A of the qualifiers with 12 points.

Their campaign included a critical 1-0 win against Tunisia during matchday three, a result that underlined their credentials as group leaders. In Morocco, they have been pooled alongside the hosts, Zambia, and Mali.

They will start their campaign against the Atlas Lions in a game Cusin says they have nothing to lose.

‘Comoros have got nothing to lose’

“It’s a big honor for the country, the players and the coaching staff. It’s the opening game, a brand new stadium, and against such a strong team,” Cusin said Cusin as quoted by Flashscore from his home in Italy.

“Morocco is the best team in Africa for sure, and one of the best in the world. They have a very strong federation, their U20 team are World Cup winners… For us, it will be tough, but at the same time, we have nothing to lose. We have a quality team and can play without pressure. I expect a great game.”

He added: “We want to enjoy it, play without pressure and without limits. In the group, we play against Morocco, Zambia and Mali – three teams we’ve never beaten before. So if I have to set a goal, I want to change our history.”

On how Comoros will approach their fixtures, Cusin responded: “It’s a question of mentality. A coach needs to think his team is better than any other team, even if it’s not true at the moment. I always ask my players to think like a big team.

“Before the game against Tunisia, I told them: ‘You are not third-division players. You are Chelsea’s centre-back. You are Juventus’ striker. You play for Real Madrid.’ I wanted to give them self-confidence.”

On his contract situation with Comoros, he replied: “If I continue, I want to build with this group and bring in more young players. I want Comoros to always be in the AFCON and, maybe one day, like Cape Verde, to reach the World Cup.”

After playing Morocco, Comoros will come up against Zambia before concluding their preliminary matches against Mali on December 29.