The objective is clear for Morocco: it is the title, or nothing. Waiting for a coronation in the African Cup of Nations for half a century, Moroccan supporters can’t wait any longer. After the historic semi-final contested (and lost 2-0 against France) during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the logical next step for the Atlas Lions was to shine on their continent.
But the failure of the last CAN, ending with a surprise elimination in the round of 16 against South Africa, had delayed their plans. Now it’s time to take revenge, especially at home. Because the premature exit of Achraf Hakimi’s teammates was painful at the start of last year.
A rout that Ibrahim, a young 20-year-old supporter, does not want to relive. “It’s not normal that such a football nation has only won the CAN once, and even more so 49 years ago,” he gets angry. We are experiencing the best years of the national selection, a premature exit would be a new tragedy after what happened in 2024…”
“The selection is better”
The Atlas Lions fan, exiled to Ottawa (Canada) for his sports management studies, particularly remembers scenes of indescribable joy experienced in the streets of his native city of Casablanca, when Morocco reached the semi-finals of the Qatari World Cup. Emotions that were unexpected at the time, but now expected for CAN 2025.
“Moroccan supporters have much greater demands now,” he explains. We expect to win the CAN, obviously. And above all with style, by playing good football. There are the players to do it, so we have no excuse. Any outcome other than a victory would be a failure. »
Although sure of their strength, the followers of the Atlas Lions trembled on November 4. Heavily cut down by Bavarian striker Luis Diaz, Achraf Hakimi collapsed on the lawn of the Parc des Princes, in tears. The ax falls: the captain of the selection suffers from a severely sprained left ankle and will miss 6 to 8 weeks of competition. What is there to imagine the worst two months before the CAN? Not so much for Ibrahim.
“The selection is better than during the last CAN, despite the injury to Achraf Hakimi,” reassures the fan of Genk side Zakaria El Ouahdi. He is a very important player for the selection, but there is enough to replace him behind. The squad is very strong with a mix of young players and more experienced guys. »
The Olympique de Marseille supporter can take a breath, the 2025 African Golden Ball will be there and hope to be able to start the competition from the opening match against the Comoros.
The Moroccan people in turmoil
The event promises to be huge for Morocco, which has not organized an African Cup of Nations for 37 years. Despite a major technical bug in ticketing, nearly 140,000 tickets were sold in the first 24 hours. Returning from the Canadian cold, Ibrahim will be one of the lucky ones in his native country.
“This is the first international football competition that I would have the chance to attend,” rejoices the young man, who will notably see the clash between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo on December 27 in Tangier. The last CAN organized in Morocco dates back to 1988… you have to feel lucky to be able to attend it there. » The Moroccan people are counting the days before the opening, scheduled for December 21 in Rabat.
