From Comoros to Morocco: Amir Abdou Reflects on AFCON 2025 and Africa’s Football Growth
After taking part in his first Africa Cup of Nations with Comoros in 2021 and qualifying Mauritania for their second appearance in 2023, Amir Abdou is now head coach of Hassania Agadir in Botola Pro 1, Morocco’s top-flight league.
Still deeply connected to African football, the Franco-Comorian coach welcomed CAFOnline to his club’s training centre for an open and heartfelt interview, discussing the latest developments in continental football, with particular focus on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
How did you experience the match involving your former team, Comoros, against Morocco on Sunday?
It was obviously a special moment. I experienced the match with a lot of emotion and pride, but also with the perspective of a supporter. Comoros remains a team to which I am deeply attached, even though today I am involved in a different project with Hassania Agadir.
What was missing for the Coelacanths to spring a surprise?
I think they lacked a bit more efficiency in key moments and perhaps greater technical accuracy in the final pass. At this level of competition, the smallest detail makes the difference. Overall, I felt the team showed real determination.
You qualified Comoros for their first AFCON. Since then, how do you assess the team’s progress?
The team has continued to progress, particularly in terms of maturity and international experience. Comoros are now respected and taken seriously, which shows how far they have come, even if the hardest part is maintaining consistency over time.
After this first match, how do you see the rest of the tournament for Comoros?
Nothing is lost. In an AFCON, things can change very quickly. If the team stays true to its values of solidarity, discipline and courage, it can still play an interesting role in the rest of the competition.
And Morocco’s performance?
Morocco delivered a very solid performance. It is a well-organised team with a lot of individual and collective quality. They are clearly among the favourites to win this AFCON.
You are now coaching in Morocco. How do you assess the league and Moroccan football in general?
The Moroccan league is very competitive, well structured and constantly improving. Moroccan football benefits from high-quality infrastructure and a clear long-term vision, which explains its strong results at both continental and global level.
AFCON 2025 has begun. In terms of organisation, have you seen such a setup at other competitions you have taken part in?
Honestly, the level of organisation is very high. You can feel a real desire to deliver a modern, professional and well-managed AFCON. It is comparable to major international competitions I have experienced.
Will we see Amir Abdou back on the bench of a national team soon?
You never know what the future holds. Today, I am focused on my current work, but coaching a national team is always an honour and a project that could interest me if the conditions are right.
What do you think about the announced change to make AFCON a four-yearly tournament?
It is an interesting debate. It could allow for better preparation and greater value for the competition, but care must be taken not to hinder the development of African football and the momentum of national teams.
A final word to conclude…
I wish all African teams an excellent AFCON. May this competition be a celebration of football, respect and unity, and may it continue to shine a light on the continent on the global stage.