Morocco: The pressure is mounting, the fans are holding their breath

In Marrakech, the terraces of the cafes are vibrant, but differently. At the Grand Hôtel Tazi, the 1920s decor has not changed, but the men’s eyes are glued to the screens. The goal against Zambia triggers an explosion of joy in the city’s cafes. Customers noisily celebrate this moment. A genuine fervor that requires no artifice.

A high-tension AFCON for Morocco

Unlike the carefree celebration in Côte d’Ivoire in 2024, where the orange jerseys flooded the streets in a carnival-like atmosphere, Morocco seems to be holding its breath. The stakes are colossal: winning a second star after the one in 1976. This anticipation creates a palpable tension. Each goal is a relief rather than a joy, a validated step towards a destiny that seems mapped out but imperative to justify the massive investments, according to The New York Times.

This pressure is felt even in the stands. While the matches of the Atlas Lions ignite the stadiums and fan zones like the one in Bab Jdid, the enthusiasm quickly subsides for the other fixtures. In Marrakech, during the Algeria - Equatorial Guinea match, the huge fan zone planned for thousands of people sounded hollow, occupied by only a few hundred silent spectators under the gaze of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

The North African winter and the sporting logic

The other major change is the season. Playing in winter in North Africa changes the game. Gone is the muggy heat of Abidjan, replaced by "big coats" and cool nights, even if the sun shines during the day. This weather, closer to European standards, seems to favor the sporting logic.

On the field, no major surprises so far. Where the 2024 AFCON had offered its share of shocks and turnarounds from the group stage (the Ivorian rout against Equatorial Guinea, Algeria’s elimination by Mauritania), the Moroccan edition is unfolding without a hitch for the favorites. The impeccable pitches and high-level infrastructure allow the stars playing in Europe to perform in optimal conditions, making the competition more "orderly," almost too wise.

If this conformity continues, it could well pave the way for the expected royal path for Morocco. But beware, in football as in the atmosphere of the stands, the temperature can rise very quickly.