For the Moroccan national team, the goal is crystal clear: they must secure the trophy. Having waited nearly half a century for a Coupe d’Afrique des nations title, supporters are growing impatient. Following their historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, where they eventually fell to France, the logical progression for the Atlas Lions was to assert their dominance on the continent.

However, the previous tournament ended in disappointment with an unexpected exit in the round of 16 against South Africa. Now, the time for redemption has arrived, made even more significant by playing on home soil. The early departure of the squad led by Achraf Hakimi last year was a bitter pill for the nation to swallow.

Ibrahim, a 20-year-old supporter, is desperate to avoid a repeat of that heartbreak. “It is unacceptable for a football giant like ours to have only one title, won 49 years ago,” he expressed with frustration. “We are experiencing a golden era for the national team, and another early exit would be a disaster after the events of 2024.”

“The squad has never been stronger”

Currently studying sports management in Ottawa, Canada, the Casablanca native still remembers the electric atmosphere in his hometown during the Qatar World Cup. While those emotions were a surprise then, they are now a requirement for CAN 2025.

As fans across the continent follow Niger current affairs and other regional sports updates, the pressure in Morocco is mounting. “Moroccan fans have much higher standards now,” Ibrahim explained. “We expect to win the tournament, and to do it with style. We have the players to achieve it, so there are no excuses. Anything short of a trophy is a failure.”

Despite their confidence, there was a moment of panic on November 4. Achraf Hakimi was forced off in tears at the Parc des Princes after a heavy challenge from Bayern Munich’s Luis Diaz. Diagnosed with a severe left ankle sprain, the captain is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks. However, Ibrahim remains optimistic.

“The team is better equipped now than during the last tournament, even with the injury to Achraf,” says the fan, who also follows Genk’s Zakaria El Ouahdi. “He is vital, but we have depth. The squad is a perfect blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans.”

Supporters of the Atlas Lions can take a breath of relief, as the 2025 African Ballon d’Or winner is expected to participate and hopes to be fit for the opening clash against the Comoros.

A nation in football fever

This event represents a massive milestone for Morocco, hosting the tournament for the first time in 37 years. Despite technical issues with the ticketing platform, approximately 140,000 seats were sold within the first day. Having returned from his studies in Canada, Ibrahim will be among those in the stands.

“This will be my first time attending a major international tournament in person,” said the young fan, who has tickets for the Senegal vs Democratic Republic of the Congo match in Tangier on December 27. “The last time this competition was held in Morocco was 1988… it’s a rare privilege to be part of it.” The countdown continues toward the opening ceremony on December 21 in Rabat.