Expectations Mount for Morocco as Africa Cup of Nations Gets Underway

Morocco faces immense pressure heading into their first match at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, as the hosts with key player Achraf Hakimi back from injury, seek to overcome strong challengers and secure continental success.

Senegal, current title holders Ivory Coast, Mohamed Salah's Egypt, and a Nigeria team captained by Victor Osimhen rank among the top threats to Morocco at the AFCON, which extends into the New Year culminating in the final on January 18.

Morocco, ranked as Africa's highest in the FIFA standings at 11th overall, begins the event on Sunday at 1900 GMT facing underdogs Comoros at the newly built 69,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Enormous expectations burden the Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup and enter the Nations Cup on an unprecedented streak of 18 straight wins.

"I have always stated that our goal is to lift this AFCON at home before our supporters," coach Walid Regragui emphasised on Saturday.

"The nation facing the greatest challenge to win the AFCON is Morocco, due to the demands placed upon us," he cautioned, while pursuing their first title since 1976.

"The demands upon us are motivating, yet anything short of triumph will count as a setback."

Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi, named African player of the year, insists he is prepared to feature despite his absence from action since an ankle issue in early November.

"I feel in good shape," Hakimi remarked, though Regragui noted that the ex-Real Madrid player might not start versus Comoros, with upcoming Group A fixtures against Mali and Zambia ahead.

Hakimi continued: "I am not focused on my personal role. If I get just one minute and the side prevails, that suits me perfectly."

Recent successes highlight their form: Morocco claimed the Under-20 World Cup lately, and victory in the FIFA Arab Cup final over Jordan in Doha this week sparked street festivities among fans.

Packed Schedule

For Morocco, the event also serves to highlight several top-tier venues, marking their first hosting of an AFCON since 1988.

The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, set to host the final too, is among four utilised in Rabat.

A vast 75,000-seat arena in Tangier will accommodate a semi-final, alongside matches in Casablanca, Marrakesh, Agadir, and Fez, all in preparation for the 2030 World Cup co-hosted with Spain and Portugal.

FIFA's enlarged Club World Cup in June and July prompted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to delay its premier competition.

A summer start next year was impossible due to the World Cup, and January-February timing no longer works with the revised UEFA Champions League structure.

Salah Guides Egypt

The chosen approach was to commence in December and spill over into the New Year, aligning with pauses in numerous European leagues where countless African talents compete.

Confederation of African Football leader Patrice Motsepe addressed the timing issues on Saturday, revealing plans for the Nations Cup every four years after the 2028 version.

"We aim to ensure greater alignment," Motsepe stated, fostering "a more unified global football schedule".

Morocco draws inspiration from Ivory Coast's victory as hosts in the previous AFCON in 2024.

Teams from North Africa have claimed four of the five most recent regional editions, such as Algeria's win in Egypt in 2019.

Uncertainties over Salah's prospects at Liverpool could affect Egypt's bid for an eighth record-breaking crown.

Senegal, 2022 champions boasting Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye, emerge as formidable rivals.

Last year's runners-up Nigeria seek redemption here after failing to reach the World Cup. 

Meanwhile, both Ghana and Cape Verde qualified for the World Cup yet are absent from this Moroccan tournament.

Post Sunday's kick-off, Monday features three games, including South Africa versus Angola and Egypt against Zimbabwe in Group B.