AFCON: Comoros will not defend against ‘best team in Africa Morocco’ – Cusin

Comoros national team head coach Stefano Cusin has discussed their game plan when they kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign against hosts Morocco on Sunday.

The opening Group A fixture against the Atlas Lions will be played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Morocco, who last won the AFCON in 1976, will be seeking to lay their hands on the coveted trophy on home soil.

Speaking ahead of the fixture at the Complexe Moulay Abdellah on Saturday, Cusin warned his charges against playing a defensive game insisting ‘it would be a shame to limit ourselves solely to the defensive aspect.”

‘Morocco is the best team in Africa’

“We are very proud to play this match. It’s an exceptional opportunity to showcase our country and our team. It is a huge emotion and a great pride given our journey,” Cusin told reporters as quoted by Morocco World News.

“Morocco is the best team in Africa, one of the best in the world, and they are playing at home. That is a reality. We will need to stay compact. But we cannot just defend and wait. We are looking for the right balance. It would be a shame to limit ourselves solely to the defensive aspect.”

On the injury surrounding Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi, he said: “I do not know him personally, but I appreciate him a lot. He will play, I am sure, because he wants to. Morocco remains an extremely competitive team, with or without him, it does not change anything. On a human level, I hope he will be ready.”

On Comoros’ preprations for the AFCON, Cusin explained: “We had the possibility to start preparations on 8 December, but there was a FIFA decision. So we began with seven or eight players in the south of France. We worked and played a friendly match. Overall, it went well, but I would have liked more time.”

He added: “The host country remains a great team, with 18 consecutive wins. Last night, I was watching Portugal–Greece at Euro 2004. In football, you have to believe. It is mentality that makes the difference.

“We want to go as far as possible, read matches well, and take advantage of our good form.”

Speaking on behalf of the players, Comoros Youssouf M’Changama said: “We are really happy to be here. It is a great pride to play the opening match. This is our second AFCON participation. Morocco is one of the best African nations. We will be present in the moment.”

After Morocco game, Comoros will take on Zambia on Friday, December 26, before finishing their group campaign against Mali on Monday, December 29.