Morocco vs Comoros preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

Morocco are heavy favourites to earn an opening day AFCON win, not just because they're the host nation, but because they are the vastly superior side.

Comoros will want to prove they are not just here to make up the numbers, ensuring a thrilling opener.

Morocco are hosting the tournament for the first time since 1988, and after a perfect qualifying run with six straight wins, they enter as heavy favourites for the title.

The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists haven't tasted defeat since August, maintaining a 17-game unbeaten streak that recently secured them the Arab Cup. Even more impressively, they haven't lost a competitive match at home in 16 years.

Meanwhile, Comoros are saddled with far less pressure, making only their second ever AFCON appearance following a Round of 16 exit in 2021.

Their recent form suggests an uphill battle, as they lost every group match in the latest Arab Cup and are winless in their last six competitive outings.

Their only silver lining is a historical one: their last competitive win on foreign soil actually took place in Morocco, where they defeated the Central African Republic in a World Cup qualifier last September.

Morocco are unbeaten across all four previous meetings (W3, D1), including an AFCON group stage encounter in January 2022 (W 2-0).

Achraf Hakimi is unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury that almost cost him his place at AFCON 2025.

Sofyan Amrabat is also a major doubt due to a leg injury, while a hamstring problem is expected to sideline Hamza Igmane for Sunday’s clash. In contrast, Comoros appear to have a clean bill of health with no fresh injury concerns heading into the tournament.

Morocco: Bono; Mazraoui, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Salah-Eddine; Ben Seghir, El Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, En-Nesyri, Ezzalzouli

Comoros: Anzimati-Aboudou; B. Youssouf, M’Dahoma, Soilihi, Toibibou, Boura; M’Changama, Z. Youssouf, Bourhane; Said, Selemani

"Comoros may be underdogs, but Morocco will take nothing for granted. Head coach Walid Regragui has emphasised that 'there are no easy matches in Africa' and that his side must respect every opponent to avoid the pitfalls of previous tournaments.

Full-time prediction on LiveScore Bet: Morocco 3-0 Comoros

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• Morocco to win

• Over 2.5 goals