Stefano Cusin, the head coach of the Comoros national team, is determined to make a splash at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. In an exclusive interview, he reveals his team's ambition to be the surprise package of the tournament, starting with their opening match against the hosts, Morocco, on Sunday at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Despite the daunting challenge, Cusin remains focused on his players' mindset, emphasizing their commitment to playing attacking football and defying the odds. He acknowledges the magnitude of the task but believes in his team's potential, drawing inspiration from the rapid evolution of African football.
When asked about their preparation, Cusin explains that the late changes to the tournament schedule caused some disruption. Initially, they planned to gather on December 8 for a comprehensive training camp with friendly matches, similar to other national teams. However, they had to adapt and organize a shorter camp in southern France.
Cusin dismisses any pressure of facing the host nation in the opening game, viewing it as a privilege and an honor. He expresses his excitement and the team's eagerness to enjoy every minute of the experience, cherishing the moment for years to come.
When discussing the first match against Morocco, Cusin acknowledges their exceptional status. He describes Morocco as the best team in Africa and one of the strongest globally, citing their impressive FIFA rankings, World Cup semi-final appearance, and successful run of 18 matches without defeat. Despite the apparent challenge, Cusin remains optimistic, emphasizing that anything can happen in football, and the key is to be prepared on the day.
The Comoros coach sets his sights on delivering a strong performance, aiming to deliver a pleasant surprise alongside the result. He recognizes the strength of their group, which includes Mali, a solid team they have faced before, Morocco as clear favorites, and Zambia, a regular contender at the AFCON with a previous victory in 2012.
Cusin believes in his young and talented squad's ability to play attractive football. He encourages his team to believe in their own capabilities, drawing a parallel to a coach's mindset of nurturing a greener garden than their neighbor's. He expresses confidence in his players' potential, especially in a rapidly evolving African football landscape.
As his first AFCON with a senior national team, Cusin reflects on the tournament's evolution. He has participated in several AFCON tournaments with youth teams, closely observing the competition in Gabon, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire to understand preparation methods and organization. Cusin acknowledges the significant progress African football has made, citing improved infrastructure, modern stadiums, and better transportation networks.
He highlights the continent's consistent production of outstanding players and the leadership of countries like Morocco, which boasts strong infrastructure and effective training centers. Cusin believes that African football will continue to grow and, with divine will, could one day win the World Cup, drawing inspiration from their recent success in the Under-20 World Cup.
Finally, Cusin sets an ambitious objective for the tournament, avoiding complacency by setting limits. He emphasizes taking it one match at a time, aiming to go as far as possible. He concludes by expressing his enthusiasm and determination to make the Comoros a surprise team at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving everything in God's hands.
