AFCON 2025 sets new standard as Morocco chase home glory

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is already being hailed as a milestone event for African football as host nation Morocco prepares to chase continental glory in front of passionate home crowds. Former Moroccan international Mustafa Haddaoui says the tournament has begun at an exceptional level, both on and off the pitch, raising the standard for major sporting events across the continent.

The atmosphere, he notes, reflects the excitement felt by fans not just in Morocco but across Africa, as supporters embrace world-class facilities, modern stadiums and meticulously coordinated logistics that showcase the country’s capacity to stage top-tier competitions. The tournament represents a dramatic transformation since Morocco last hosted AFCON in 1988, with teams now benefiting from upgraded training bases, quality accommodation and extensive infrastructure improvements that have elevated the experience for players, officials and supporters alike. These enhancements are the result of close collaboration between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, whose joint efforts have ensured a smoothly run competition that demonstrates how far African football has progressed.
On the pitch, optimism continues to grow around the Atlas Lions, who have impressed in the group stages and now move into the knockout rounds with belief and momentum. Morocco opened their campaign with a commanding victory over Comoros before following up with another convincing performance against Zambia, finishing top of their group and securing a place in the Round of 16 as they keep alive their ambition of lifting the trophy on home soil. Key figures such as Ayoub El Kaabi and Brahim Díaz have played influential roles, with El Kaabi’s decisive goals helping Morocco dominate their group and ignite the passion of home supporters. Beyond Morocco, the tournament has also produced standout performances from other teams and individual stars across the continent, highlighting the growing depth, competitiveness and quality of African football.

For Morocco, the journey carries added emotional weight. Playing at home brings both opportunity and pressure, and captain Achraf Hakimi has stressed the importance of unity, discipline and collective focus as the team pursues the ultimate prize. As AFCON 2025 continues, expectations remain high that the Atlas Lions can make history by lifting the trophy in cities such as Rabat and Casablanca a moment that would not only fulfil national aspirations but also cement Morocco’s status as a leading force in African football. With world-class organisation, strong fan support and high-quality football, AFCON 2025 is proving to be more than a tournament; it is a powerful showcase of African excellence, ambition and continental pride.