Stefano Cusin (Comoros): “We are not here by chance”

• Comoros to open AFCON 2025 against hosts Morocco in Rabat on 21 December 2025
• Head coach Stefano Cusin confident his side has earned its place
• Islanders topped qualifying group ahead of Tunisia, Gambia and Madagascar
• Second-ever AFCON appearance for Comoros after debut in 2021
• Cusin: “For the big African nations, facing us is like going to the dentist”

With 100 days to go until the opening match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, Comoros are preparing for the challenge of a lifetime. 

Drawn against host nation and tournament favourites Morocco in Rabat, the islanders are ready to prove they belong on the big stage. 

Head coach Stefano Cusin, appointed in October 2023, has rebuilt a squad that topped its qualifying group ahead of Tunisia, Gambia, and Madagascar. 

In an exclusive interview with CAFOnline.com, the Italian-Canadian tactician said he believes his team’s journey is not one of luck, but of merit and hard work. 

Cusin views the opener as an opportunity to write a fresh chapter in Comorian football history and to test themselves against Africa’s finest. 

With confidence in his players and gratitude for their progress, he insists the Coelacanths will not be overawed when the curtain rises in Morocco.

Below is the full interview:

CAFOnline.com: How do you feel, with 100 days to go before playing the opening match?

Stefano Cusin: It is an honour. Playing against Morocco, a great football nation, in front of a packed stadium (Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat), and with the whole world watching, will be an emotional occasion.

Looking back at the draw in January, when you saw Comoros were placed against Morocco, what was your reaction?

Cusin: I was delighted. It’s an opportunity for our team to play a big match like this. Morocco are the favourites, the best African side right now, and they play at home. But we are not here by chance. We finished top of a group that included Tunisia, Gambia, and Madagascar. If we are here, it is because we earned it. We will certainly be a difficult opponent.

Does this game represent a motivating challenge or extra pressure for your team?

Cusin: Every team at a continental finals feels pressure. For Morocco, the pressure is far greater because they are at home and have the obligation to aim for the title. For us, it is positive pressure — it pushes us to give our very best.

How are you preparing for the tournament?

Cusin: We are fortunate to also be playing in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. That is the best preparation, because they are high-level, important matches. In October, we face Madagascar and then Ghana in Accra. These are perfect fixtures, both for continuing our qualifying campaign and for preparing for AFCON.

Beyond results, what do you expect from your players in this competition?

Cusin: I expect them to give their best, to fight, and to put into practice all the progress we have made over the past two years. The team has improved a lot. In football, nothing is decided in advance. I want them to enjoy themselves and give everything on the pitch.

After AFCON 2021 in Cameroon, this will be Comoros’ second participation. How do you assess the nation’s progress?

Cusin: When I took over in October 2023, Comoros had failed to qualify for the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. It was a difficult starting point because Cameroon 2021 had been the peak of a generation. We had to keep some experienced players but also rebuild. This is a new team preparing for Morocco. The work from the players has been extraordinary, supported by our authorities — both the State, with President Azali Assoumani, and our federation president, Said Ali Said Athouman — who have provided excellent working conditions.

What is Comoros’ current status on the African stage?

Cusin: I would say we are an emerging team. We beat Ghana. We beat Tunisia (0-1) in Radès, where they had not lost at home for 14 years. We beat Gambia (2-1) in a decisive game and Cape Verde (1-2) as well. For the big African nations, playing against us is a bit like going to the dentist: nobody enjoys it.

Alongside Morocco, you will also face Mali and Zambia. How do you view these teams?

Cusin: We know Mali well — we played them twice in World Cup qualifying. It didn’t go well, but we want revenge. They are a very strong team, ranked 54th in the world, but we had regrets from our last match. Zambia topped their group ahead of Côte d’Ivoire, so they are formidable too. Nobody qualifies for AFCON by chance. They will be serious opponents, but we will be up to the task.

Personally, this will be your first AFCON. How do you expect to live this experience?

Cusin: When I was in South Sudan, I coached the senior team and was also in charge of youth sides. We qualified the U17 and U20 teams for the AFCON, so I have already experienced two youth tournaments. It was extraordinary. As a head coach, I consider AFCON almost on the same level as the World Cup. It is a unique competition with an incredible atmosphere and powerful emotions. I love these matches and I am highly motivated to be part of it.

Finally, a word for Comorian supporters?

Cusin: We thank them for their unwavering support. They are always behind us and will continue to be. Comorian fans are fantastic — they understand the highs and lows of the team. They expect a lot from us, and that is normal, because we have shown we are capable. Their expectations motivate us. We need them to go further, to celebrate together, and to achieve something important in this tournament.