AFCON 2025: Brahim Diaz Makes History as Tournament’s First GoalscorerThe
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicked off on Sunday, December 21, with a strong start for Morocco. Brahim Diaz scored the first goal of the tournament in a 2-0 victory against Comoros, etching his name into AFCON history.Scoring the opening goal of an AFCON edition is a rare achievement, previously accomplished by iconic players such as George Weah, Asamoah Gyan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Diaz now joins this prestigious list.Beyond the symbolism, the goal highlights Morocco’s ambition and confirms Brahim Diaz’s key role as the Lions of the Atlas aim for continental glory in AFCON 2025.
AFCON 2025: Morocco dazzles with a spectacular opening ceremony
Morocco officially kicked off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a stunning opening ceremony at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Held in the presence of Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the ceremony showcased Morocco’s rich culture, modern infrastructure and strong organizational capacity, setting a high standard for the tournament ahead.
CAN 2025: Morocco and its stadiums are ready!
This Sunday, 21 December 2025, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will kick off, and all eyes will be on the brand new and renovated stadiums that will host Africa’s biggest football festival.These modern, secure venues meet international standards and are ready to vibrate to the rhythm of the fans, the exploits and the strong emotions.Each stadium tells a story, and each pitch will be the scene of unforgettable moments ⚽✨CAN 2025 is not just about football, it is a celebration of passion, culture and African unity.
Destination Morocco 2025 Road Trip Faces Border Challenges Between Guinea and Senegal
The “Destination Morocco 2025 – Land of Football” caravan experienced a demanding day at the border between Guinea and Senegal, as administrative procedures and long waiting hours marked this stage of the Cotonou–Rabat road trip.
Due to time constraints and the need to respect the project’s overall schedule, the delegation made a strategic decision to cancel the planned stop in Dakar. All scheduled activities in the Senegalese capital were therefore called off, allowing the convoy to continue its journey directly towards Nouakchott.
Led by Zul Zelkifli Rahman Ngoufonja, CEO of Quick-Witted Management and head of the delegation, this choice reflects the project’s clear vision. Despite logistical challenges, the caravan remains committed to its mission: connecting Africa to Morocco, host of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, through football as a powerful symbol of unity and shared identity.
Former beninese star Mickaël Poté to join NCI for AFCON 2025 coverage
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) approaches in Morocco, former Beninese international Mickaël Poté will make his return to television as a consultant for the Nouvelle Chaîne Ivoirienne (NCI). Poté will provide tactical insights, expert analysis, and in-depth commentary throughout the tournament, which will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. His previous appearances during the last CAN were widely praised by both viewers and football professionals, making his return a highly anticipated addition to NCI’s coverage.
The official broadcaster is preparing a strengthened coverage plan, aiming to deliver high-quality programming, engaging discussions, and expert debates for fans across Africa. Poté’s presence is expected to enrich the analysis, offering unique perspectives on matches and strategic play throughout the continent’s premier football competition.
“Destination Morocco 2025” Road Trip kicks off in Benin to unite africa ahead of the AFCON
The highly anticipated “Destination Morocco 2025 – Land of Football” road trip officially kicked off in Cotonou, Benin, marking the start of a continental journey designed to promote the upcoming AFCON 2025 and strengthen cultural ties across Africa.
The three-day launch featured a vibrant mix of sports activities, cultural visits, and media engagements. The initiative brings together more than fifty African journalists, creators, influencers and communicators.
Project promoter Zelkifli Rahman Ngoufonja (Zul) explained the vision behind the caravan: “This road trip embraces Morocco’s football project. It aims to unite Africa around the AFCON and showcase our strengths, our diversity and the shared values that bring us together.”
World grappling champion Djihene Abdellilah highlighted the social impact of the initiative: “Sport changes lives. This project inspires young Africans and shows them that their stories matter. We want millions to see another face of the continent.”
The caravan will travel through Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania and finally Morocco, producing daily content and engaging with local communities along the way.
Supported by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Visit Morocco, and Royal Air Maroc, the road trip aims to build excitement and solidarity ahead of the continent’s biggest football event.
CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Trophy Makes Vibrant Stop in Paris as Part of Diaspora Tour
The Trophy of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 continued its Diaspora Tour with a high-energy stop in Paris, where a vibrant celebration was held at the Palais de Tokyo. The initiative aims to strengthen the bond between the African continent and its diaspora in Europe, rallying communities ahead of the upcoming tournament hosted in Morocco.
The event brought together footballers, journalists, artists and football enthusiasts, all gathered to celebrate “the energy of the continent, the passion of its communities, and the strong connection uniting supporters from near and far,” in keeping with the philosophy of the tour.
The highlight of the evening was the official presentation of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Trophy, greeted with enthusiastic applause from a large audience.
With Morocco preparing to host a highly anticipated edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, this Paris stop represents a key moment in the growing mobilisation surrounding the competition. It further strengthens excitement among African communities living across Europe.
In a statement to MAP, Omar Khyari, advisor to the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), emphasized that the purpose of the Diaspora Tour is to “unite Africans living in Europe around the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.” He highlighted “the immense enthusiasm seen last week in London and this week in Paris,” while reaffirming that “in line with the Enlightened Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco is preparing what will be the best edition in the history of the AFCON,” with the FRMF fully mobilized under the leadership of its President Fouzi Lekjaa to deliver a first-class competition and experience.
French journalist Hervé Penot, senior reporter at the sports daily L’Équipe, praised Morocco’s preparations, noting that this edition “could be one of the best ever organized on the continent.” He underlined the exceptional quality of Moroccan infrastructure and the continuous rise of Moroccan football, now a benchmark in Africa.
The Paris stop of the Trophy Tour fits into a broader continental dynamic aimed at bringing communities closer together, amplifying enthusiasm, and building momentum ahead of what promises to be one of the most memorable editions in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.
AFCON 2025: Fouzi Lekjaa Updates African Ambassadors on Morocco’s Preparations
On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the Mohammed VI Football Complex hosted a key meeting between Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and head of the AFCON 2025 Local Organizing Committee, and African ambassadors accredited in Rabat.
Fouzi Lekjaa presented a detailed briefing on the progress of preparations for the tournament, emphasizing that Morocco is advancing with a comprehensive vision aligned with the directives of King Mohammed VI. He noted that the success of AFCON 2025 is intended as a collective achievement for the entire African continent.
The ambassadors expressed strong satisfaction with the level of progress, praising the coordination between Moroccan institutions. They highlighted Morocco’s approach as a solid guarantee for a successful edition.
To strengthen cooperation, Lekjaa announced the creation of a dedicated communication and follow-up unit connecting the Local Organizing Committee with African diplomatic missions. The unit will facilitate administrative procedures, support team logistics, and oversee arrangements related to travel and accommodation.
Participants also welcomed the rapid development of Morocco’s sports infrastructure and the effective mobilization of authorities. The meeting concluded with Lekjaa reaffirming Morocco’s commitment to delivering an exceptional and continent-focused AFCON 2025.
Morocco to open seven Fan Zones across six cities for AFCON 2025
As AFCON 2025 approaches, Morocco is preparing seven official Fan Zones to be deployed this month across six major cities. Locations include Villa Harris in Tangier, Anfa Park in Casablanca, Bab Doukkala in Marrakech, Botanical Gardens in Fez, and Marina Beach in Agadir. Access will be free for all fans holding a Fan ID.
AFCON 2025: Royal Air Maroc Announces Promotional Fares Across Africa
As Morocco prepares to host AFCON 2025, Royal Air Maroc has released a special list of promotional airfares to welcome supporters from across the continent. Routes include Dakar at 4,500 MAD, Abidjan at 4,000 MAD, and Cotonou, Douala, and Yaoundé at 5,900 MAD. The initiative aims to boost travel to Morocco and ensure strong attendance during the tournament.
