"We are not afraid of Morocco": Comoros player throws down the gauntlet ahead of clash with the Atlas Lions | OneFootball

Nicknamed the "Coelacanths," the Comoros squad will kick off their AFCON 2025 campaign with a clash against the tournament hosts, Morocco, in the opening round of Group A, which also includes Mali and Zambia.Speaking to the French outlet Foot Mercato, Hakim Abdallah appeared calm and resolute: "We are absolutely not afraid. The team is in excellent physical condition. Sure, it's the opening match, but the pressure is on them, not us. We'll play our game and see what the result is at the end."The Comorian defender acknowledged the quality of his opponents, while refusing to be overawed: "Morocco has some top-level players, like Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi. It's a great footballing nation, but they're human just like us. No one intimidates us. We'll play our style and see what happens."He continued: "Morocco will want to start strong at home and are clearly aiming for the Africa Cup of Nations title. For us, playing the opening match brings pressure, but it's a positive pressure."