Morocco set for AFCON 2025 Kickoff as hosts open tournament against Comoros

Morocco is alive with anticipation as the countdown continues to the opening of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the host nation ready to welcome the continent on Sunday, December 21.From Casablanca to Rabat and across the other host cities, there is a clear sense of readiness. Streets are awash with team colours, fan parks are in place, and supporters from across Africa are already settling in ahead of kickoff. All 24 qualified teams have arrived and are based in host cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes and Tangier.This is Moroccos second time staging AFCON, having previously hosted the tournament in 1988, and organisers have placed strong emphasis on combining football with culture. As part of the build-up, fans were treated to a major concert at the OLM Souissi Fan Zone in Rabat on Saturday, December 20. International stars French Montana and Davido headlined the event, celebrating African unity through a blend of Afrobeats, urban sounds, pop and traditional rhythms.Expectations are high among Moroccan supporters. The Atlas Lions are chasing a second continental title, their first since 1976, and optimism has been fuelled by recent success, including their FIFA Arab Cup triumph earlier this week.Morocco will get their campaign underway against Comoros in the opening match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.