As TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 begins in Rabat
The 2025 footballing showpiece of the African homeland is here and the continent is as expected agog with fanfare and excitement.
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 kicks off this Sunday at the Complexe Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, with the opening match pitting the host nation, Morocco against Comoros.
For the Atlas Lions, the moment has arrived to begin a tournament they are determined to win on home soil, driven by a crowd firmly behind them. The stadium is ready. So is the atmosphere.
For weeks, Morocco have been meticulously preparing for this occasion CAFonline reports.
Morocco – Walid Regragui
A symbol of modern African coaching, Walid Regragui carries the weight of expectation on home soil. World Cup history-maker in 2022, his mission is clear: deliver Morocco’s first AFCON title since 1976 in front of a nation united behind him.
Head coach Walid Regragui and his technical staff have worked on all fronts, both tactical and physical. Managing the absentees and fitness concerns of key players such as Achraf Hakimi, Hamza Igamane and Sofyan Amrabat has shaped the final adjustments.
Comoros, meanwhile, arrive without excessive pressure but with clear ambition. Stefano Cusin’s side has had limited time to prepare collectively, but each training session has been used to strengthen team cohesion. Considered outsiders on paper, the Coelacanths are determined to defend their chances and to show that they belong on the continental stage.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 at the Complexe Moulay Abdellah.
What Was Said
Walid Regragui underlined the importance of preparation and mindset within his squad.
“We have been working for two years. It will be a big day, at home. Our objective has always been to win the AFCON and to give everything. Our supporters are with us,” said the national team coach.
He also addressed the situation of Achraf Hakimi:“He may start, or he may not. Every match is important. We will have to manage emotions and play with confidence and humility.”
On the Comoros side, Stefano Cusin expressed his pride ahead of this historic occasion. “It is an exceptional opportunity to showcase our country and our team. Morocco are extremely competitive, with or without Hakimi. We are looking for the right balance between defence and attack,” he explained.
Youssouf M’Changama echoed those sentiments: “Playing in the opening match is a great source of pride. We want to continue raising the level of Comorian football.”
Morocco and Comoros have met only once in official competition, during the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 qualifiers, when the Atlas Lions claimed a 2–0 home victory.
Since then, circumstances have evolved, but Morocco remain favourites, especially in Rabat. For Comoros, this opening fixture represents a major test, with the hope of springing a surprise and fully launching their tournament from the very first whistle.
TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Know the Coach: Stefano Cusin (Comoros)
Known for his international coaching expertise and his ability to transform underdog teams into competitive sides, Cusin brings over two decades of coaching experience across multiple continents.
This tournament marks his first TotalEnergies CAF AFCON appearance as a head coach, and he is determined to make a significant impact by implementing a disciplined, pragmatic style of play with Comoros.
Name: Stefano Cusin
Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
Age: 57
Team: Comoros
Coaching Career
Stefano Cusin began his coaching journey in 1997 as a member of the technical staff at Arezzo in Italy. By 2002-03, he had transitioned into managerial roles, taking charge of Montevarchi.
His international coaching career began in Cameroon, where he worked with the U-20 national team before moving to Acada Sports in 2005.
In 2007, he became Technical Director for the Congolese Football Federation, overseeing all national teams.
Over the years, he managed prominent clubs across several countries, including Botev Plovdiv in Bulgaria, where he coached during the 2008-09 season, and Al-Ittihad Tripoli in Libya, guiding them to a national league title in 2010.
Cusin’s adaptability and expertise saw him work as an assistant to Walter Zenga from 2010 to 2014, notably helping Al-Nasr SC in Saudi Arabia qualify for the AFC Champions League.
His tenure as head coach of Al-Fujairah SC in the UAE led to their promotion to the country’s top division. In 2015, he became the first Italian to manage in Palestine, achieving success with Ahli al-Khalil by winning the Palestinian Cup and Super Cup.
After working with Wolverhampton as an assistant and holding managerial roles in South Africa and Iran, Cusin took on national team duties.
He coached South Sudan in 2021 and, since October 2023, has been leading Comoros in preparation for AFCON 2025.
Style of Play
Stefano Cusin is widely recognized for his methodical and pragmatic approach to football. His teams are built on a foundation of solid defensive organization while maintaining the capacity for fluid, creative attacking play. Cusin’s system emphasizes balance, ensuring that transitions between defense and attack are seamless.
Known for his tactical flexibility, he tailors his strategies to adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents. His teams frequently exploit quick counterattacks and utilize technical players on the wings to create scoring opportunities. At the same time, Cusin emphasizes teamwork and discipline, ensuring every player understands their role within the system.
As he once remarked, “Football is a team game above all. Every player must understand their role and be ready to adapt. The key lies in balance and flexibility.”
Experience at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations
The 2025 AFCON in Morocco will be Stefano Cusin’s debut in this prestigious continental tournament. As a first-time participant, he will aim to bring his extensive international experience and tactical ingenuity to guide Comoros through a challenging competition.
Did You Know?
Stefano Cusin was born in Canada, raised in France, and comes from an Italo-French family. His multicultural background has allowed him to fluently speak multiple languages, a skill that has greatly benefited his coaching career across continents.
With AFCON 2025 fast approaching, Stefano Cusin and Comoros are eager to make their mark, fueled by his vast experience and pragmatic approach to the game.
