Afcon 2025: Can Morocco Deliver Home-Field Glory on Home Soil?

Morocco hosts the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with high hopes of turning years of football reform into a landmark home triumph. The national team enters the tournament buoyed by a growing track record and a belief that this could be the moment to crown their efforts.

Morocco’s last major continental title dates back more than four decades, but the country has since built a comprehensive system to nurture talent. On the world stage, the Atlas Lions have shown they can compete with the best, highlighted by a historic World Cup run in 2022. As the host nation for Afcon 2025, they carry elevated expectations that the championship should finally return to Moroccan soil.

“Wearing the Moroccan jersey always brings a powerful feeling,” said midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, reflecting on the pride of representing his country. He added that playing at home makes this Afcon especially meaningful and that lifting the trophy is within reach.

Football analyst Jalal Bounouar emphasises Morocco’s core aim: “The immediate goal is to win Afcon, and doing so would complete a long-term project that has been built with government support and a clear national plan.”

Infrastructure driving the ambition

Central to Morocco’s strategy are two premier facilities named after King Mohammed VI. The Mohammed VI Football Academy and the Mohammed VI Training Complex provide integrated environments for player development, combining elite coaching with education, housing, and sports science for both men’s and women’s teams.

“This evolution is the result of careful planning and a sustained national effort,” notes Bounouar. “The plan began in 2008 and the academy opened in 2009, with the training complex following in 2019 at around £48.5 million.”

The facilities have created a steady talent pipeline linking domestic leagues with elite European clubs and the national team, reinforcing Morocco’s rising profile in international football.

Observers who visit the country note that the shift is deliberate and visible—investments in stadiums and youth development are part of a broader strategy to enhance social unity and tourism appeal through football.

Key players and the home advantage

Morocco’s squad includes standout talents such as goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, playmaker Brahim Diaz, and captain Achraf Hakimi. Despite a recent ankle issue, coach Walid Regragui has reassured supporters that Hakimi will be involved if ready and will remain influential whether on or off the pitch.

At the helm, Regragui emphasises using home advantage to press opponents and sustain intense performance levels throughout the tournament.

Morocco open their campaign on Sunday against Comoros at 19:00 GMT, kicking off a journey that many hope will begin a new era of success for the hosts.

Expert view

Expert comment: Local analyst Jalal Bounouar says lifting the AFCON trophy is the natural next step after years of strategic investment. He adds that continental glory would validate a long city-wide and national program designed to lift Moroccan football.

Short summary

Morocco brings a robust plan to Afcon 2025, combining world-class facilities, a strong youth pathway, and a squad capable of challenging for the title on home soil. The country faces financial and social questions about ongoing investments, yet supporters remain optimistic about a historic triumph at a tournament held in their own backyard.

Key insight: Sustained investment in infrastructure and youth development has positioned Morocco to claim AFCON success on home soil. Source: BBC Sport

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