Will Afcon 2025 be a pivotal moment for Morocco?

Morocco’s captain Achraf Hakimi confronts a fitness challenge as he aims to lead his nation in the Africa Cup of Nations. Recently, he sustained an ankle injury, raising questions about his participation in the tournament.

Aiming for Glory on Home Turf

When the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) kicks off, the Moroccan squad anticipates this event will mark the realization of a long-term strategy to establish itself as Africa’s premier footballing nation. Since winning the title in 1976, Morocco has struggled to replicate that success, contrasting starkly with achievements from other nations in recent years.

“It’s an extraordinary feeling every time I wear the Moroccan jersey,” said midfielder Sofyan Amrabat during an interview. Amrabat, who played a significant role in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals at the last FIFA World Cup, expressed his eagerness for the upcoming tournament, particularly since it will be held on home ground.

Football analyst Jalal Bounouar succinctly stated, “Morocco’s ultimate objective is to win Afcon.” He believes that securing the continental title is vital for the country’s footballing aspirations. Following the semi-final exit at the 2022 World Cup, Morocco’s Under-23 team clinched bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and the Under-20 team recently achieved world champion status.

Morocco has also dominated the African Nations Championships, winning three consecutive tournaments (2018, 2020, and 2024) and recently triumphed in the FIFA Arab Cup against Jordan. These developments have heightened expectations among fans and experts alike.

“Since 1976, we’ve faced a long drought without winning Afcon. It’s time we change that,” Bounouar remarked.

The Foundation of Success

Morocco’s ascent in football is not a mere coincidence; the nation has made substantial investments in its football infrastructure. This includes two state-of-the-art facilities named after the King, which have become home to youth and senior national teams.

The Mohammed VI Football Academy and the Mohammed VI Training Complex provide elite training opportunities, educational programs, accommodation, and sports science expertise.

“This transformation in Moroccan football results from strategic planning backed by government support,” Bounouar explained. The initiative was first mentioned by King Mohammed in 2008, leading to the academy’s launch in 2009 and the completion of the $65 million training complex in 2019. The aim was to offer young talents modern facilities, quality coaching, and favorable environments for growth.

This investment has fostered a steady stream of talent not only for domestic clubs but also for the national team, with more players now competing in top-tier European leagues.

Nigerian journalist Sulaimon Adebayo emphasized the intentionality behind Morocco’s football development: “Their recent successes stem from a careful approach to build facilities and enhance football quality.”

However, while many fans are enjoying the fruits of improved footballing prowess, scrutiny of the investments has increased. Recent protests from the younger populace have raised concerns over massive spending on stadiums rather than hospitals as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

“The majority of Moroccans view football as a national priority that provides benefits beyond the field,” Bounouar noted. Many believe that success in football could enhance national unity and promote tourism.

According to statistics from FIFA and the Moroccan Football Association, grassroots participation has surged, embedding football deeper into everyday life, with growing acceptance of female participation in the sport.

The success of the Atlas Lionesses in successive Women’s Cup of Nations finals has further bolstered this movement, with captain Ghizlane Chebbak clinching the title of African player of the year.

Hakimi: The Key Player

As the tournament approaches, the Moroccan team heads in as the frontrunners. The team boasts an impressive unbeaten streak of 18 games, a world record that highlights their current form. In the last 20 months, they have scored 50 goals while conceding just four, although the strength of their opponents must also be considered.

Amrabat anticipates that playing at home will provide a significant advantage. “We have excellent stadiums and favorable weather. The support from our fans will be immense,” he added.

The squad also features top talents including goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, playmaker Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, who was recently named the African player of the year. However, his availability remains uncertain due to an ankle injury from a match against Bayern Munich.

“Whatever happens, we will ensure he is ready,” said coach Walid Regragui regarding Hakimi. “He is our most pivotal player, both on and off the pitch.”

Morocco’s journey begins with a match against Comoros on Sunday, and while this opening match marks the start of the tournament, it represents just one chapter in Morocco’s footballing evolution.

“This is our time,” Amrabat concluded. “We are determined to deliver and bring joy to our fans.”