The elements are raging in Qatar and could well spoil the party. The highly anticipated match between Morocco and Jordan, scheduled for today at the Lusail stadium, is in great danger of being cancelled due to the dreadful weather conditions.
A few days before the kick-off of the Africa Cup of Nations, the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) is deploying major resources. Drones, thousands of cameras and specialized brigades: Morocco is putting in place an unprecedented security system to secure the competition.
A few days before the kick-off of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Algerian public television has unveiled its broadcast schedule. While EPTV has acquired the rights to fifteen matches, the Moroccan national team, the host country, does not seem to be part of the schedule, victim of the diplomatic tensions between the two neighbors.
24 hours before the big final against Jordan, Tarik Sektioui displays unwavering determination. The coach of the national A’ team promises to give everything to bring the trophy back to Morocco.
Olympique de Marseille is preparing to recruit a young talent from the Moroccan youth system. The French club would have reached an agreement with Ziyad Baha , a 16-year-old striker who stood out during the last U17 World Cup.
The image of a national team fractured by language belongs to the past. Long plagued by the formation of rival clans between "Dutch," "French," and "Locals," the locker room of the Atlas Lions has undergone a transformation. Under the leadership of Walid Regragui , the diversity of origins is no longer a hindrance but a strength, cemented by a hybrid communication that gives translators cold sweats.
The time of amicable arrangements seems to be over between European clubs and African selections. While Manchester United tried to force the hand of the Moroccan Football Federation to keep Noussair Mazraoui during a crucial Premier League match, the world body has cut short. The complaint of the Red Devils was rejected, recalling the absolute primacy of the regulations on the eve of the CAN.
Never before had an Africa Cup reached such a high level of prestige. Just days before the kickoff, Morocco unveils an unprecedented logistical and television setup that relegates past editions to oblivion. Between exclusive accommodation for each team and production entrusted to foreign experts, the Kingdom wants to dazzle the football world.
The numbers are aligning for the Atlas Lions. Just days before kickoff, Opta’s artificial intelligence reveals its verdict and places the Kingdom on the top step of the podium. With nearly one in five chances of lifting the trophy at home, Morocco outpaces Egypt and Senegal in the race for the title.
The party will be great, but it will be strictly supervised. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the organizing committee have decided: twenty categories of objects are now formally prohibited in sports venues. From sound instruments to snacks, supporters will have to travel light, otherwise they will be denied entry.
It’s crunch time for the Atlas Lions. With infrastructure renovated at a cost of hundreds of millions of euros and a people fired up since the Qatar epic, Morocco can no longer afford to make mistakes. Walid Regragui , hailed as a hero yesterday, must now assume the status of overwhelming favorite where only the final victory will be accepted by the Kingdom.
This is a breath of fresh air for the local economy as the Africa Cup of Nations approaches. The city of Rabat has just made an exceptional extension of opening hours for businesses official. Starting this Wednesday, the capital will live to the rhythm of the supporters until the end of the night to capture the financial benefits of the event.