The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to be a landmark event, taking place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This prestigious tournament will feature the continent’s top football teams and marks a significant moment as it returns to Morocco for the first time since 1988.
The Draw and Group Composition
The draw for the tournament occurred on January 27, 2025, at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat. The qualified teams have been divided into six groups of four. Here’s how the groups are structured:
Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
The opening match will feature Morocco against Comoros on December 21 in Rabat.
Morocco’s Aspirations
As the host nation, Morocco is one of the favorites to win the tournament. The Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, are eager to claim their second continental title. The support from local fans will be crucial as they aim for success on home soil.
Expectations for the Tournament
The upcoming AFCON is anticipated to be filled with excitement and surprises. With an expanded format featuring 24 teams, this edition reflects the growth of African football over recent decades. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed confidence in Morocco’s ability to host an event of this magnitude, citing its experience with previous international competitions.Morocco has previously hosted significant tournaments such as the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2022 Women’s AFCON, showcasing its capability to deliver world-class sporting events. The infrastructure in place—including modern stadiums and passionate fans—positions Morocco as a prime host for a memorable AFCON.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations promises to be a celebration of African football and a testament to Morocco’s commitment to the sport. With its rich footballing history and enthusiastic support from fans, Morocco is poised to deliver an unforgettable tournament that will captivate audiences both on the continent and around the world.
The History of Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations
Morocco, a significant player in African football, has a rich yet somewhat bittersweet history in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Despite being a powerhouse on the continent, the national team, known as the Atlas Lions, has only clinched the title once, in 1976 in Ethiopia. This achievement marked a high point in Moroccan football history, but since then, the team has faced various challenges and near misses.
The 1976 Triumph
The pinnacle of Morocco’s AFCON journey came during the 1976 tournament, where they emerged victorious after a thrilling final against Guinea. This victory remains a source of pride for Moroccan football, as it symbolizes their potential and capability on the continental stage. The tournament was notable for its unique format, which allowed Morocco to secure the championship despite not winning the final match outright; they were declared champions based on their performance throughout the tournament.
Hosting AFCON in 1988
Morocco’s first experience as a host nation came in 1988. The tournament was held in various cities across the country, and expectations were high for the Atlas Lions. However, their campaign ended disappointingly in the semi-finals when they were defeated by Cameroon. This loss was a significant setback, as many believed that hosting the tournament would provide them with an advantage.
Subsequent Performances
Following their 1976 victory, Morocco’s performance in AFCON tournaments has been mixed:
1980: The team secured a third-place finish, showcasing their competitiveness.
1986: They reached the semi-finals again but fell short of advancing to the final.
2004: Morocco reached the finals once more but lost to Tunisia, adding to their history of near misses.
2017 and beyond: The team has struggled to replicate past successes, facing early eliminations in several tournaments.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Moroccan football has seen a resurgence. The national team qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, marking its return to the global stage after two decades. Their impressive run included reaching the semi-finals and ultimately finishing fourth, a historic achievement for African football.
Conclusion
As Morocco prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, there is renewed hope and ambition within the football community. With state-of-the-art facilities and a passionate fan base, Morocco aims not only to host a successful tournament but also to reclaim its status as a dominant force in African football. The journey from their solitary AFCON title in 1976 to their current aspirations reflects both the challenges and potential that lie ahead for Moroccan football on the continental stage.