For the Moroccan national team, the mission is absolute: secure the trophy or face total disappointment. Having waited nearly half a century for a continental title, supporters are growing restless. Following their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they eventually fell to France, the logical next step for the Lions of the Atlas is to dominate on their own soil.
However, the journey has seen its share of setbacks. A surprise exit in the round of 16 against South Africa during the previous tournament stalled their momentum. Now, acting as hosts, Achraf Hakimi and his teammates are seeking redemption. For many, the early exit last year remains a painful memory that must be erased.
Ibrahim, a 20-year-old supporter, is among those who refuse to settle for less. “It is unacceptable for a football powerhouse like ours to have only one title from 49 years ago,” he states. “We are witnessing the golden era of our national team; another early departure would be a catastrophe after the events of 2024.”
“The squad is stronger than ever”
Currently studying sports management in Ottawa, Canada, Ibrahim vividly recalls the electric atmosphere in his hometown of Casablanca when the team reached the final four in Qatar. While those emotions were once a dream, they are now the baseline expectation for AFCON 2025, a key highlight in African news today.
“Moroccan fans have much higher standards now,” he explains. “We expect to win the tournament, and we expect to do it with style. With the talent available, there are no excuses. Anything short of the trophy is a failure.”
Despite this confidence, there was a moment of panic on November 4. Achraf Hakimi was forced off the pitch at the Parc des Princes in tears after a heavy challenge from Luis Diaz. Diagnosed with a severe ankle sprain, the captain faced a six-to-eight-week recovery period. While some feared he might miss the tournament, Ibrahim remains optimistic about the team’s depth in pan-African current affairs.
“The team is better than it was during the last tournament, even with the concerns surrounding Achraf Hakimi,” says the fan, who also follows Zakaria El Ouahdi. “He is vital, but we have quality replacements. The squad is a perfect blend of fresh youth and seasoned veterans.”
Supporters of the Lions of the Atlas and clubs like Olympique de Marseille can breathe a sigh of relief: the 2025 African Ballon d’Or winner is expected to be fit for the opening match against the Comoros.
A nation in celebration
This event marks a significant milestone for Morocco, which has not hosted the tournament in 37 years. Despite technical difficulties with the CAF ticketing app, demand has been astronomical, with 140,000 tickets sold within the first day. Ibrahim will be traveling back from Canada to witness the spectacle firsthand.
“This will be my first time attending a major international tournament in person,” says the young man, who has tickets for the highly anticipated match between Sénégal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Tangier on December 27. “The last time this was held here was 1988. We are lucky to experience this.” The countdown is on for the opening ceremony in Rabat on December 21, a major event in African society news.
