Saïd Bakari outlines Comoros ambition at AFCON 2025

Comoros national team defender Saïd Bakari has revealed the nation’s readiness to go all the way at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Coelacanths of Comoros will be returning for their second AFCON appearance, determined to build on their historic debut in 2021. Their impressive qualification campaign, marked by a vital victory over Tunisia, showcases the squad’s growing confidence and cohesion.

The Island nation have been drawn in Group A alongside Morocco, Zambia, and Mali. They will play the first fixture of the tournament when against the Atlas Lions at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on December 21.

Comoros going for three wins at AFCON

“It’s one of, if not the hardest, groups in the tournament. Mali have a very good team that reached the quarter-finals last time, everyone knows Morocco and their 17-game win streak, and Zambia are former AFCON champions,” Bakari told Flashscore while analyzing their group.

“We’re a small team, the smallest team, actually. It’s a tough group, but everyone can beat anyone nowadays. We’re a good team, so it won’t be easy for them either. We’re going for three wins.”

In Morocco, Comoros will kick off their campaign against the Atlas Lions. Asked to preview the game, Bakari said: “We are going to try to enjoy the moment. We shouldn’t put pressure on ourselves or overthink; we just have to play. Personally, I’m someone who loves the crowd or playing against the crowd.

“We are going to enjoy it. We are mostly guys from the streets of France, from Paris, Marseille, and other parts of the country. We love these moments, so we are going to play without pressure and with joy.”

He added: “We are a technical team. We’re not as big and strong as the other African teams. We are the smallest guys on the pitch, but we are very technical. Tactically, we are sound as well.

“We play as a team – we don’t have big names or one big-name player we rely on. Everyone needs to fight for one another, from the goalkeeper to the striker. We are a real team and need to play like one; otherwise, it gets difficult for us.”

On what Comoros want to achieve at AFCON, Bakari, who plays for Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam, said: “Winning. To me, it’s possible. I go there with the ambition of winning. If you don’t believe in yourself, who’s there to believe in you?

“We go there to win and to get as deep into the tournament as possible. Everyone’s won something for the first time.”

After playing Morocco, Comoros will face the Chipolopolo at Stade Mohammed V, before winding up their group fixture against Mali at Stade Mohammed V.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.