Stefano Cusin: Comoros head coach eyeing surprise result in AFCON opener against Morocco

Comoros head coach Stefano Cusin is in high spirits ahead of Les Coelacantes' AFCON 2025 opener against the Atlas Lions of Morocco tomorrow, Soccernet.ng reports.

Morocco are favourites to win the tournament, given they're the hosts, but the Canadian manager his confident his team can cause chaos against the Atlas Lions.

It'll be Comoros' second appearance at the AFCON tournament, and they'll be looking to go one better than the round of sixteen stage feat they achieved in 2021.

Stefano Cusin on the touchline for Comoros — Stefano Cusin is on the touchline for Comoros. [Photo Credit/ CAFOnline].

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Stefano Cusin lauds Morocco, eyes strong result for Comoros

Ahead of the clash at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah tomorrow evening, the 57-year-old praised the strengths of his opponents.

“Morocco are an exceptional team — the best in Africa and one of the strongest in the world,” the former South Sudan Coach said in quotes revealed by CAFOnline.

“They are ranked ahead of Italy in the FIFA standings, reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, boast players from top clubs and are on an 18-match winning run.

Hakimi celebrating with his teammate after Morocco knocked Spain out of the World Cup — Hakimi is celebrating with his teammate after Morocco knocked Spain out of the World Cup via a penalty shootout. [Photo Credit/ Imago]

“On paper, it is like climbing Everest. But football has its magic: anything can happen. The key is to be ready on the day. The pressure is mainly on Morocco, who are expected to win.

“For us, the aim is simply to deliver a strong performance — and if a pleasant surprise comes with the result, all the better.

“We are in a very tough group. All the teams finished top of their qualifying groups. Mali, whom we have faced before, are very solid.

“Morocco are clear favourites, and Zambia are AFCON regulars who have already won the competition in 2012.

“These are strong opponents, and we have never beaten them. The real challenge, therefore, is to upset the predictions.

“We have a young, talented team that plays attractive football. As I often say, a coach must believe his own garden is greener than the neighbour’s. I believe in my team,” the former Wolves Coach concluded.