Inside Comoros’ calm build-up to Morocco AFCON opener as President visits | OneFootball

On the eve of a historic AFCON opener against Morocco at 20.00 Sunday, Comoros opened their camp, calm yet purposeful, with presidential support visible.

At 9.30am a five-strong party left Casablanca for Rabat. Captain Youssouf M'Changama and coach Stefano Cusin faced the press, then checked in for two nights. According to L'Équipe, Cusin spoke of pride while M'Changama noted a second AFCON.

By 13.30 a buffet awaited. Cusin joked about a whisky, then took sparkling water. M'Changama recalled a Covid-hit first AFCON in Cameroon and said the group had been told to enjoy this one. Later, talk turned to Morocco and Romain Saïss, with Cusin recalling his role in taking the defender to Wolverhampton with Walter Zenga after spotting him at Angers. He suggested shifting the terms of the contest could trouble favourites and referenced Garrincha to downplay secrecy before going to meet President Azali Assoumani.

At 19.00 humidity hung over Morocco’s national technical centre as President Assoumani, in a number 10 shirt, addressed the squad. He praised their work for the archipelago, urged a good result and said he had come to support them. After a brief address, M'Changama thanked him for the trip, the backing and his efforts to ensure the best conditions.

Night fell and Cusin’s voice still carried through the final drills. On Sunday at 20.00, the nation of under 1 million will experience what it considers the biggest match in its history. Rafiki said they would be ready.

Source: L'Équipe