Skip to main content

Morocco vs Comoros to set tone for Afcon

African football stands on the cusp of another compelling chapter as the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, December 21. While the opening fixture between hosts Morocco and Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat may not immediately stir memories of classic AFCON showdowns, the tournament itself carries a weight of expectation that extends far beyond the first whistle. Morocco arrives as both host nation and one of the continent’s most formidable footballing powers. The Atlas Lions have enjoyed a golden period in recent years, highlighted by their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and consistent dominance at youth and club levels. With a squad brimming with Europe-based stars, tactical maturity, and home support behind them, Morocco are widely tipped as favourites to lift the trophy. For many fans, AFCON 2026 represents an opportunity for the North African giants to finally translate their promise into continental glory on home soil. Yet, the beauty of the Africa Cup of Nations lies precisely in its unpredictability. The opening opponents, Comoros, may be considered lightweights in African football, but their very presence at the finals tells a remarkable story. The tiny Indian Ocean nation, with a population of less than a million, has steadily defied expectations through organisation, discipline, and an unshakeable belief. Their qualification alone is a triumph, especially when contrasted with the absence of traditional heavyweights such as Ghana, whose failure to qualify sent shockwaves across the continent. Ghana’s absence is symbolic of a broader shift in African football. Once-dominant nations can no longer rely on history and reputation alone. Improved coaching, better scouting of diaspora talent, and increased tactical awareness have narrowed the gap between Africa’s elite and its emerging sides. Teams like Comoros, Cape Verde, and Equatorial Guinea have shown that structure and unity can rival pedigree. AFCON 2026, therefore, is not just a competition—it is a reflection of a changing football landscape. For Comoros, the opening match against Morocco is less about expectation and more about opportunity. With little pressure and everything to gain, they can approach the contest with freedom. AFCON history is littered with examples of underdogs upsetting giants, and Comoros will take inspiration from those narratives. Even a spirited performance could set the tone for a campaign that further cements their growing reputation. As the tournament unfolds across Morocco’s modern stadiums, fans can expect drama, colour, and passion—the hallmarks of African football. Beyond the favourites and familiar names, AFCON 2026 promises fresh stories and new heroes. Whether Morocco ultimately justify their status or another surprise nation captures the imagination, one thing is certain: African football continues to evolve, and this tournament is poised to celebrate both its powerhouses and its dreamers.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rest in peace Zet, thanks for the good times

Legends. . . Zithulele Sinqe runs ahead of another roadrunning super star Willie Mtolo in 1986 Each time when I drive past ERPM in Boksburg, along Rondebult Road, one name springs to mind: Ernest Seleke. The association comes from the memory of Seleke running in a vest with ERPM emblazoned across the chest area. Back then, in the 1980s, I did not even know that ERPM was an abbreviation for a mine, and that the initials stood for East Rand Propriety Mine. To me ERPM was Seleke, not the gold mine it actually was. Stock, as the lithe running machine was known, was a marvel to watch on TV during that time of my schooldays. However, he was not alone among the crop of SA runners who were nurtured and sponsored by the mines to excel in their sport – both on track and on the road – at that time. There were many products of the mines and parastatals but I can immediately single out Xolile Yawa, Matthew Temane, Gibeon Moshaba, Matthew Batswadi, Ben Choeu and much later Zithulele Sin...
2 comments
Read more

Nigerians pay the price for ignoring their own league

Earlier this year, Nigerian media, commentators, and football followers erupted in outrage following the March 25 World Cup qualifier in Uyo, where the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe. On paper, it should have been an easy assignment. Nigeria’s squad, stacked with stars from Europe’s top leagues, was expected to sweep aside a Zimbabwean side traditionally considered lightweight. Yet the Warriors who arrived in Uyo were far from the Zimbabwe of old. The southern Africans had undergone a quiet transformation, with several players now plying their trade in big European leagues. Zimbabwe has also borrowed from West Africans by pursuing diaspora kids for its national team. The outpouring of anger in Nigeria was not surprising, given the country’s unmatched passion for football. But in hindsight, the fury was misplaced. The ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), currently being staged in East Africa, has brutally exposed where Nigeria’s real weakness lies. Unlike the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Broos returns respect and the swag to Bafana

When Hugo Broos was announced in May 2021 as the new manager of the South African national football team, the news was received by sneers and jeers if not completely ignored by some of those it affected the most - the SA soccer fraternity. At the time Bafana Bafana, the national team, had not long been labelled a "bunch of losers" by the sports minister Fikile Mbalula. His words cut like a blunt knife, even though the truth is that Bafana were at the time hopeless and lacked confidence. It was fair-game for anyone, including the lowest-ranked nations, to meet Bafana because the chances of scoring a victory over the SA team were real and attainable. So, more than the sports minister, the nation was despondent over Bafana circumstances. Even Broos appointment, despite his known success on the continent, was slammed as that of an old man chasing an easy retirement fund. It was a tough job from the start for the Belgian - having to rouse the players from a comatose of low sel...
Post a Comment
Read more