Morocco's Unbeaten Run of Victories Positions Them Strongly for AFCON Bid
A remarkable sequence of 18 straight wins has positioned Achraf Hakimi led Morocco ideally for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign hosted at home.
The run started in June 2024 with a narrow 2-1 victory over Zambia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, culminating in a convincing 4-0 win against Uganda in a recent friendly.
Spain previously owned the record with 15 consecutive triumphs since 2009, a feat Morocco surpassed by beating Congo Brazzaville 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier two months back.
In these 18 games, Morocco netted 55 goals while allowing only four, and achieved 14 shutouts.
This impressive momentum, combined with the benefit of playing on home turf and the anticipated return of 2025 African footballer of the year Hakimi, has made Morocco the top contenders to claim the African title.
Paris Saint Germain defender Hakimi twisted his ankle following a foul during a UEFA Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, though early concerns about him missing the tournament appear to be easing.
After the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington over the weekend, manager Walid Regragui commented: We are optimistic he will feature in our opener versus Comoros.
He is recovering well and progressing. He is eager to join us here in Morocco. As our leader and skipper, he added, referring to the coach who remarkably guided Morocco to the 2022 World Cup semi finals in Qatar.
Hakimi, alongside defender Noussair Mazraoui from Manchester United, keeper Yassine Bono Bounou, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, and striker Youssef En Nesyri, anchor the Atlas Lions squad.
Although Hakimi appeared in a protective boot at the Rabat awards event due to his injury, he was celebrated as Africas premier player, while Bono, based in Saudi Arabia, earned the top goalkeeper honour.
Real Madrids Brahim Diaz missed the Qatar tournament but has since become a sharp goal scorer. He topped the charts with seven strikes in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Coveted Prize
Securing Africas most prized football honour would spark widespread celebration across the nation, along with significant satisfaction.
Morocco claimed their only AFCON crown in 1976 in Ethiopia.
Since that triumph, their nearest brush with continental glory came in 2004, losing 2-1 to host Tunisia in the decisive match. Regragui played in that defeated side.
I hope numerous visitors come to our stunning country for the AFCON and that Morocco lifts the trophy, stated the 50 year old manager.
Following the December 21 kickoff against Comoros, Morocco face Mali on December 26 and Zambia on December 29.
All Group A fixtures for Morocco will occur at the 68700 capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which will also host the climax.
Mali, perhaps the most formidable among the 12 teams yet to win the event, aim at least for the last four.
I saw a piece calling us big underdogs, and that fits, remarked manager Tom Saintfiet, who led newcomers Gambia to the 2022 quarter finals.
Mali match up well against sides such as Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. We might lack their international celebrities, but our unit is united, resolute, and gifted, the Belgian noted.
Although Morocco and Mali are tipped to advance from Group A, Comoros manager Stefano Cusin issued a caution to opponents.
For major African teams, facing us feels like a dental visit, no one relishes it, said the Canadian Italian.
After dropping three of four home 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Zambia parted ways with ex Chelsea boss Avram Grant. His successor is former international defender Moses Sichone.
Zambia have underperformed since their surprising 2012 AFCON final victory over Ivory Coast, yet captain and defender Lubambo Musonda remains positive, expressing excitement for an excellent competition.