Morocco begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Sunday against Comoros in Rabat at 20:00. The country is braced for a festival of football after Thursday’s Arab Cup success sparked nationwide celebrations.
According to L’Équipe, thousands poured into the streets after the 3-2 win over Jordan after extra time in Doha. The release could foreshadow what awaits if the Atlas Lions go all the way at home.
At traffic lights, hawkers were already selling Moroccan flags, a hint of the days to come. Before the Arab Cup win, the mood was calm, but cities are expected to turn red and green as the title quest resumes after 1988’s near miss, a 0-1 semi-final exit to Cameroon.
The scale for an Arab Cup was striking. For an AFCON on home soil during a pivotal moment for the country’s rise in Africa, football is seen as a symbol of that momentum, and many feel there is no room for failure.
Soukaina, an employee, said the tournament matters deeply to her family, with cousins travelling from Paris who skipped summer plans to be here. They have bought clothing, flags and new accessories, even phone cases, ready for when celebrations are needed.
With the first home edition since 1988, anticipation is huge among supporters and beyond. The country has organised around the event, backed by significant investment.
