Stefano Cusin (Comoros): “We want to be the surprise team at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025”

Comoros’ head coach, Stefano Cusin has stated their participation in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, represents a historic milestone which they are keen on making the most of.

The Italian trainer has made no secret of his ambition: to see his players upset the established order, starting with Sunday’s opening game of the competition, against hosts Morocco at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. 

Fully aware of the scale of the challenge, Cusin insists his focus is on the mindset of his squad, one committed to play attacking football and brave the odds.

In an interview with CAFonline.com, Cusin spoke about preparation, expectations and his view of a rapidly evolving African football.

 How has your preparation gone for this AFCON, and do you feel your players are ready for the opener against Morocco?

The late changes to the calendar disrupted us a little. We had planned to come together as early as  December 8 for a full training camp with friendly matches in the mix, like many other national teams.

 When those plans changed, we had to adapt and organised a shorter camp in southern France.

Do you feel any particular pressure facing the host nation in the opening game?

No, quite the opposite. It is a real privilege. Playing in a magnificent stadium against a great team is an honour. The emotion is huge for both the players and the staff. We want to enjoy every minute and keep this moment in our memories for a long time.

How do you approach this first match against Morocco?

Morocco are an exceptional team — the best in Africa and one of the strongest in the world. They are ranked ahead of Italy in the FIFA standings, reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, boast of players from top clubs and are on an 18-match winning run. 

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.

What are your ambitions in this group?

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.

This is your first AFCON with a senior national team. How do you view the tournament and the evolution of African football?

I have taken part in several AFCON tournaments with youth teams, but this is my first with a senior side. I have also closely observed the competition in Gabon, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, to understand preparation methods and organisation.

African football has made huge progress. When I began my international coaching career in 2002 in Cameroon, infrastructure was lacking. Today, Africa has caught up: modern stadiums, improved roads, better airports. The missing link has been addressed.

The continent has always produced outstanding players, and some countries — such as Morocco — are leading the way with strong infrastructure and effective training centres. The Under-20 World Cup title is proof of that: beating Brazil and Argentina is no coincidence. I am convinced African football will continue to grow — and one day, God willing, it could win the World Cup.

What objectives have you set for this AFCON?

We do not want to place limits on ourselves. Saying that our objective is simply to get through the group stage could create a sense of complacency. We will take the tournament one match at a time, with the ambition of going as far as possible.

We have a young and promising team. Whatever the outcome, we will accept it, because everything is in God’s hands. We are approaching this Africa Cup of Nations with enthusiasm and with the determination to be the surprise team of the tournament.