Now, given the honor of kicking off the AFCON in Rabat against the hosts and favorites, Morocco, the team welcomes both the challenge and their role as underdogs.

“It’s a huge honor for the country, the players, and the coaching staff. It’s the opening match, in a brand new stadium, facing such a strong opponent,” head coach Stefano Cusin toldFlashscore from his home in Italy.

“Morocco is undoubtedly the best team in Africa and one of the best worldwide. They have a very strong federation, and their U20 team are World Cup champions… For us, it will be difficult, but at the same time, we have nothing to lose. We have a quality squad and can play without pressure. I anticipate a fantastic match."

Cusin feels the Comoros players are in an excellent position. Representing an island nation with fewer than a million inhabitants, with most players competing in Europe’s second or third divisions, expectations are low. Yet by embracing the underdog status while maintaining solid confidence, they can pull off a surprise.

“We want to enjoy the experience, play freely and without pressure,” Cusin says about Comoros’ goals at the AFCON. “In the group, we face Morocco, Zambia and Mali - three teams we have never beaten before. So if I have to set a target, it’s to change our history,” he adds, hinting at hopes to finally defeat at least one of these teams.

A matter of mindset

Group A won’t be easy at all. Morocco qualified automatically as hosts, naturally, but they are the highest-ranked African nation in FIFA and likely the top favorites to win the tournament.

Zambia, Mali, and Comoros all topped their qualifying groups, with Comoros undoubtedly the biggest surprise, remaining unbeaten in a group that includedTunisia, Gambia, and Madagascar. Their 1-0 victory in Tunisia, who qualified second, was particularly historic.

“It’s about mentality. A coach must make his team believe they are better than any opponent, even if that isn’t yet true. I always tell my players to think like a big team,” Cusin told Flashscore when recalling the triumph in the port city of Rades.

“Before the match against Tunisia, I said: 'You are not third-division players. You are Chelsea’s centre-back. You are Juventus’ striker. You play for Real Madrid.' I wanted to boost their confidence,”he recalls.

“Maybe Tunisia expected us to defend deeply, but we played with three forwards and took an attacking approach. After gaining four points against Tunisia, I was confident we would qualify."

Four days following the impressive win, Comoros held the favorites to a 1-1 draw in the return match, played in Ivory Coast. The underdogs were forced to play the past two years, including all AFCON qualifiers, away from home as their stadium did not meet CAF standards.

That changed this November when Comoros finally played home friendlies against Namibiaand won both matches. The coach remembers the incredible reaction from fans welcoming their heroes back.

“The Comoros supporters are amazing. They are passionate about football,” Cusin says with a smile. “When we returned in November, the welcome was unbelievable. From the airport to the hotel, the streets were packed. The stadium was full for both games. The people are incredible. We love them and want to play for them,” he adds.

Continuing to build with youth

Under Cusin’s guidance, the squad has undergone a major transformation over the last two years - at most, five players from the previous AFCON squad are expected now. In the friendly wins against Namibia, seven players aged 18 to 20 took part.

“Comoros approached me several years ago to rebuild the team, refresh the squad, and give it a new identity. It was challenging, but we have climbed 30 places in the FIFA ranking and won nearly 60% of our matches,” Cusin recalls.

“But as I said, we are not Nigeria or Senegal. You can’t expect me to win the AFCON. You can expect me to play well and maybe be the surprise. You never know."

What remains uncertain is Cusin’s future beyond the AFCON. The coach who transformed the underdogs into one of African football’s most pleasant surprises is nearing the end of his contract, although talks about an extension are underway.

“If I continue, I want to develop this group further and bring in more young talent. I want Comoros to always be at the AFCON and, perhaps one day, like Cape Verde, to reach the World Cup,” he says.