After last night’s draw which placed the Atlas Lions into a “tough group’ in the AFCON-2025 football tournament, former Moroccan international football stars are saying they have the tools to emerge as group leaders.
The draw, held on Monday evening at the Mohammed V Theatre in Rabat, placed Morocco in Group A along with Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.
Despite the challenging lineup, former players believe the national team is well-equipped to top the group and progress confidently toward the ultimate title.
Morocco’s national team is determined to uphold its reputation in both African and global football and will benefit from the support of an eager fan base hungry for success. With a roster full of star players from the world’s top clubs, the team is expected to excel in the group stage, advance deep into the competition, and potentially secure the title.
Aziz Bouderbala, a key figure in Morocco’s historic 1986 World Cup campaign, acknowledged the strength of Group A, highlighting the quality of Mali, Zambia, and Comoros, all of which have consistently posed tough challenges to the Atlas Lions. However, he expressed confidence in Morocco’s ability to advance past the group stage and reach the final, given the quality of its players and their determination to win for their supporters.
Similarly, Salah Eddine Bassir described Morocco as a “super favorite” to go far in their quest for the African title. Playing on home soil will provide the national team with additional motivation, he said.
Hassan Nader noted that Morocco’s group is competitive. Mali, Zambia, and Comoros all topped their qualification groups. The Atlas Lions, aware of the challenge ahead, “must approach the tournament with focus and determination to defend their reputation as a global football powerhouse,” he said.
Morocco’s former stars all agree that the team must tackle its matches with the seriousness and competitiveness required to achieve its ambitions and make its fans proud. With a home advantage and a strong lineup, the Atlas Lions are poised to make a significant impact at CAN-2025.
The 35th AFCON will kick off with the opening match between the Atlas Lions and the “Coelacanths” of Comoros on December 21, 2025.