Atlas Lions aim for second title and historic host win at renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

AFCON 2025 Begins Today in Rabat.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations officially kicks off on Sunday, December 21, with hosts Morocco taking on Comoros in the Group A opener at the iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The Atlas Lions, under coach Walid Regragui, are heavy favorites and aim to become the 20th host nation to win their opening match in AFCON history.

Morocco enters their 20th tournament with massive home support, chasing a second title, their first since 1976. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists carry the weight of expectation to end their reputation as continental underachievers.

Since a shock 2023 exit to South Africa, Regragui’s team has been unbeatable in competitive fixtures, winning 18 straight games while scoring freely and conceding just four goals.

Comoros: The Giant-Killers Ready for Another Upset

Opponents Comoros, ranked 108th globally, are no pushovers. The Coelacanths stunned Ghana in their 2021 debut to reach the last 16 and recently beat Tunisia and Ghana again in qualifiers.

Coach Stefano Cusin acknowledges the challenge: “Morocco are the best in Africa and one of the strongest in the world… But football has its magic, anything can happen. The pressure is on them.”

Spectacular Venue and Ceremony Await

The newly renovated 69,000-seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which will also host the final, showcases Morocco’s world-class facilities ahead of co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.

Gates open at 2pm local time, with the opening ceremony starting at 6:30pm before the match. Expect a vibrant celebration of African culture as the tournament begins across six stunning venues in Rabat, Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Agadir, and Fez.

An exciting start to what promises to be a memorable AFCON 2025.