Morocco kicks off the 35th Africa Cup of Nations this Sunday against Comoros, carrying the weight of a powerful historical trend: host nations rarely lose the tournament’s opening match.
Since 1957, the tournament opener has overwhelmingly favored the home side. In 34 previous editions, hosts have recorded 19 wins, 9 draws, and only 5 defeats.
Algeria holds the record for the most dominant start, thumping Nigeria 5-1 in 1990.
Only five hosts have ever lost their opener, with Burkina Faso (1998) being the most recent.
In 1988, the last time Morocco hosted, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Zaire—a result they hope to better this weekend in Rabat.
The most dramatic opener occurred in 2010, when Angola famously surrendered a 4-0 lead in the final 11 minutes to draw 4-4 with Mali.
With the backing of a home crowd at the newly rebuilt Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Atlas Lions aim to use this “host tradition” to launch their quest for a second continental title.
