Morocco will kick off the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations as hosts, facing Comoros in the opening match on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

This highly anticipated Group A clash, along with the rest of the group stage matchups, was confirmed during the Final Draw of the competition in Rabat on Monday, January 27.

The draw officially set the stage for what promises to be another thrilling edition of Africa’s premier football tournament.

As they make their 20th appearance at the AFCON, the Atlas Lions are eager to end a 49-year continental trophy drought, having last lifted the title in 1976 in Ethiopia.

Despite being among the tournament favorites, Morocco’s most recent deep run came in 2004, when they reached the semi-finals but were narrowly defeated by Tunisia.

Under the leadership of Walid Regragui, who guided them to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, Morocco enters the 2025 AFCON with a wealth of talent and will be aiming for nothing less than a victory in their opening match.

However, they will face a determined Comoros side, who proved themselves to be no pushovers in the last TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The competition was fiercely contested, and Comoros showed they belong at the top level.

The 2025 tournament will mark the Coelacanths' second AFCON appearance, following their impressive run to the Round of 16 in the 2021 edition.

In a notable moment from that tournament, Comoros faced Morocco in their second group match, losing 2-0. This defeat will no doubt fuel their desire for revenge as they aim to challenge the hosts in front of a passionate Moroccan crowd.

Led by Canadian-born coach Stefano Cusin, Comoros will be looking to make a statement in the 2025 AFCON by pulling off a shock result against tournament hosts and favorites, Morocco.

The full Group A lineup sees Morocco facing Comoros, Mali, and Zambia in what promises to be a competitive group stage.

GROUP A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia & Comoros

GROUP B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola & Zimbabwe

GROUP C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda & Tanzania

GROUP D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin & Botswana

GROUP E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea & Sudan

GROUP F: Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon & Mozambique