Morocco's defender #2 Achraf Hakimi (2L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group F football match between Morocco and DR Congo at Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro on January 21, 2024. (Photo by SIA KAMBOU / AFP)
For Morocco, the mission is absolute: bring home the trophy. After waiting half a century for a Coupe d’Afrique des nations title, the patience of the Moroccan faithful has reached its limit. Following their historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar, where they narrowly lost to France, the Lions de l’Atlas are expected to dominate on their own continent.
The road to redemption follows a stinging exit during the last edition, where a surprise defeat to South Africa in the round of 16 derailed their ambitions. Now, playing on home turf, the team led by stars like Achraf Hakimi faces immense pressure to make amends. For 20-year-old supporter Ibrahim, another early exit would be unthinkable.
“It is unacceptable for a football power like ours to have only one CAN title, won 49 years ago,” Ibrahim says with frustration. Currently studying sports management in Ottawa, Canada, he remains deeply connected to his roots in Casablanca. “We are witnessing the golden era of our national team. Failing now, especially after the disappointment of 2024, would be a catastrophe.”
“The squad has never been stronger”
Ibrahim vividly recalls the euphoria in Casablanca when Morocco reached the final four in Qatar. While fans across the region, from Rabat to those following Bamako news today, recognize the talent in the squad, the expectation for 2025 has shifted from hope to demand.
“The standards have changed,” Ibrahim explains. “We don’t just want to win; we want to win with style. With the talent we have, there are no excuses. Anything short of the trophy is a failure.”
Despite this confidence, there was a moment of panic on November 4. Achraf Hakimi left the pitch in tears at the Parc des Princes after a harsh challenge from Luis Diaz. Diagnosed with a severe ankle sprain, the captain is expected to be out for six to eight weeks. However, Ibrahim remains optimistic about the team’s depth.
“The team is actually better than it was last time, even with Hakimi’s injury,” he argues, pointing to Genk’s Zakaria El Ouahdi as a capable alternative. “The roster is a perfect blend of fresh talent and seasoned veterans.” Fortunately for the fans, the 2025 African Ballon d’Or winner is expected to be fit for the opening match against the Comores.
A nation in football fever
This tournament marks a significant milestone as Morocco hosts the event for the first time in 37 years. Despite technical glitches during the ticket launch, enthusiasm remains sky-high, with 140,000 seats sold in just one day. Ibrahim will be among those in the stands, having secured tickets for the clash between Sénégal and the République démocratique du Congo in Tanger.
“This will be my first time experiencing a major international tournament in person,” the young fan shares. “The last time Morocco hosted was in 1988. We are lucky to be part of this.” As the continent keeps an eye on Mali politics and Mali security in the broader West Africa Mali region, the football world is counting down to the December 21 kickoff in Rabat. Fans seeking Mali Seven news or Mali English news will likely see the tournament dominate headlines across the Sahel.
