Morocco Launches AFCON 2025 with Opening Clash Against Comoros in Rabat
By Adel Shuri, Sportfanzone
The much talk about African Cup of nations is here live with the best of Africa starts on the national duties . Rabat, Morocco – December 21, 2025: The Atlas Lions of Morocco will kick off the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 today against Comoros at the iconic Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. This highly anticipated opener marks the beginning of a historic tournament, the first to be held during the Christmas and New Year period, running from today until January 18, 2026.As hosts, Morocco enters as one of the favorites, boasting a star-studded squad featuring world-class talents like Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and Yassine Bounou.
The Atlas Lions, who last won the continental title in 1976, are determined to end a near-50-year drought on home soil in front of home fans . Comoros, appearing in only their second AFCON, will aim to build on their impressive debut in 2021, where they reached the knockout stages.The match is set for an 8:00 PM local time kick-off (7:00 PM GMT), following a spectacular opening ceremony celebrating Moroccan and African culture.Tournament Highlights
- Format: 24 teams divided into six groups of four. The top two from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, advance to the round of 16.
- Venues: Matches will be played across nine state-of-the-art stadiums in six cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier.
- Prize Money: The winners will pocket a record $10 million – a 43% increase from the previous edition – with runners-up earning $4 million and semi-finalists $2.5 million each.
- Broadcast: Fans can catch all the action live and free-to-air on Channel 4 (in select regions), SuperSport across sub-Saharan Africa, and beIN Sports in the Middle East and North Africa, among other global partners.
Group Stage Draw
- 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: Ivory Coast (defending champions), Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
This edition promises thrilling encounters, from heavyweight clashes like Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon in Group F to Mohamed Salah’s Egypt facing South Africa in Group B.Football enthusiasts across the continent and beyond are buzzing with excitement as Africa’s premier tournament returns to Morocco for the first time since 1988. Will the hosts lift the trophy, or will an underdog steal the show?Stay tuned to Sportfanzone for live updates, match reports, and in-depth analysis throughout AFCON 2025.Want to know more about today’s match preview, key players, or the full tournament schedule? Let us know!
