Morocco vs Comoros Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Host nation Morocco head into the CAF Africa Cup of Nations as favourites as they look to send out a statement in the opening game against Comoros in Rabat.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo
Morocco preview: Impressive Moroccans
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the tournament as they defeated the likes of Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to finishing fourth in Qatar.
The Moroccans still have Walid Regragui at the helm and the Atlas Lions perhaps have an even better squad than three years ago, unbeaten in 25 official FIFA matches since a round of 16 exit at the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in January 2024.
Comoros preview: Going again
Comoros have only ever played at one major international tournament and that came at the 2021 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon in early-2022, when they managed to surprise everyone by reaching the round of 16 of that competition.
Under the management of Stefano Cusin, Comoros have a limited squad but a bit more pedigree than that previous competition. Having gone unbeaten in qualification for this tournament, they are expected to be stubborn to play against.
Morocco team news: Hakimi good to go
Star man for Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi, is said to be good to go for the tournament, having been out injured for PSG since a late tackle from Luis Diaz against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League in November. However, Real Betis midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is a doubt due to a hamstring injury.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Bono; Mazraoui, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Hakimi; Ben Seghir, El Aynaoui, Saibari; Brahim, En-Nesyri, Abde Ez
Unavailable:
Questionable: Amrabat (Injured)
Comoros team news: Fully fit
Stefano Cusin is said to have a fully fit squad for the opening game of the tournament, with the stars of the Comoros side being Youssouf M’Changama and Faiz Selemani.
Predicted XI (5-3-2): Anzimati-Aboudou; B. Youssouf, M’Dahoma, Soilihi, Boura; M’Changama, Z. Youssouf, Bourhane; Said, Selemani
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Morocco vs Comoros prediction
At the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco will be keen to make a major statement in the opening game. In its own right, going deep into AFCON is a special achievement but especially as they seek to build towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer. Comoros have a limited squad but will be organised and perhaps difficult to beat, but the Moroccans have to be viewed as the firm favourites to get off to a winning start.
Morocco vs Comoros tip: Morocco to win to nil
