Rabat, Morocco, is preparing to host the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), kicking off this weekend amid high expectations for the host nation. The tournament, running from December 13th to January 11th, 2025, features 24 national teams competing for continental glory. Morocco enters as a strong favorite, currently ranked 11th in the world by FIFA and boasting a remarkable run of form, but will face stiff competition from Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and defending champions Ivory Coast.
The opening match on Sunday, December 22nd, will see Morocco take on Comoros at the newly constructed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. This marks Morocco’s return to hosting the AFCON after a 37-year hiatus, since 1988.
Morocco’s Bid for AFCON Championship Faces Intense Rivalry
Morocco’s impressive recent performances, including a semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and a record-breaking 18 consecutive victories, have placed immense pressure on the Atlas Lions. Coach Walid Regragui acknowledges the weight of expectation, stating that securing victory on home soil is the primary objective. However, he also cautioned that the pressure could be a significant challenge, and that anything less than winning would be considered a failure.
A key boost for Morocco is the return of star player Achraf Hakimi from an ankle injury. While his participation in the opening match is not confirmed, Regragui indicated that Hakimi is in good condition, with upcoming group stage games against Mali and Zambia providing further opportunities. Hakimi himself emphasized his commitment to the team’s success, stating he’s willing to contribute even in a limited role.
Scheduling Challenges and Future Plans
The timing of the tournament has been a point of discussion due to changes in the international football calendar. The introduction of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup necessitated a shift in the AFCON schedule, resulting in a December-January timeframe. This timing posed logistical challenges, as many African players compete in European leagues that traditionally have a winter break.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe acknowledged the scheduling complexities and announced plans to standardize the tournament to a quadrennial format, aiming for a more harmonious alignment with the global football calendar. The next planned edition is in 2028, and CAF seeks better synchronization moving forward.
Additionally, Morocco is utilizing the tournament to showcase its modern football infrastructure, including the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which will also host the final. Seven cities are hosting matches—Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Agadir, Fez, Tangier, and Korso—as the nation prepares for its co-hosting role in the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. This is a significant investment in the future of football in the country.
Beyond the host nation, several other teams are expected to contend for the title. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, remains a powerhouse in African football, despite uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future at Liverpool. Senegal, the 2022 champions, boasts a talented squad featuring Sadio Mané and Iliman Ndiaye. Nigeria, runners-up last year, also aims to improve on their previous performance and secure the championship. The football tournament is poised for thrilling competition.
The opening day also includes matches on Monday, December 23rd, with South Africa facing Angola and Egypt meeting Zimbabwe in Group B. The group stage will continue through January 6th, 2025, with the knockout rounds commencing shortly after, culminating in the final on January 11th. The progress of key players like Salah and Hakimi, and how teams navigate the revised schedule, will be crucial factors to watch as the AFCON 2025 unfolds. The outcome of the group stages, including potential upsets, will determine the contenders for the championship.
Following the group stages, the competition will intensify, with a focus on tactical adjustments and player fitness. Uncertainty remains regarding the impact of player availability due to club commitments and potential injuries. Ultimately, the Cup of Nations promises to be a captivating showcase of African footballing talent.
