Morocco's defender #2 Achraf Hakimi (2L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group F football match between Morocco and DR Congo at Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro on January 21, 2024. (Photo by SIA KAMBOU / AFP)
As the countdown to CAN 2025 begins, Moroccan football enthusiasts are united behind a single, uncompromising goal: victory at all costs. The Atlas Lions, longing for continental glory since 1976, now have the chance to lift the trophy on home soil—a dream that feels long overdue for a football powerhouse of their stature.
unshakable ambition: victory or nothing
The expectations are sky-high for the Moroccan national team, especially following their historic FIFA World Cup 2022 semi-final run in Qatar. But frustration lingers after their premature exit from the last African Cup of Nations, where they were stunned by South Africa in the Round of 16. For 20-year-old Ibrahim, a die-hard Morocco supporter studying sports management in Ottawa, Canada, another disappointment is simply unthinkable.
«It’s unacceptable for a football giant like Morocco to have won only once in the CAN—49 years ago,» he exclaims. «This generation is different. Anything less than a title would be a disaster after everything we’ve built.»
a squad built for success
The Moroccan squad boasts a deep, balanced roster, blending seasoned professionals with rising stars. Even with the recent injury to captain Achraf Hakimi—a setback that initially sparked fears of a weakened defense—the young fan remains confident. «Hakimi is irreplaceable, but the team has depth. We have young talents like Zakaria El Ouahdi and experienced leaders who can step up. The squad is stronger than ever.»
The Moroccan team’s resilience was tested early when Hakimi suffered a severe left-ankle sprain in early November, sidelining him for 6-8 weeks. Yet, Ibrahim refuses to dwell on the worst-case scenario. «We’ve overcome bigger challenges. The Ballon d’Or African winner will be ready to play from day one, and the team will be fully prepared.»
can 2025: a historic moment for Morocco
This year’s CAN is particularly special for Morocco, as it marks 37 years since the country last hosted the tournament. Despite initial ticketing glitches, enthusiasm remains undimmed—over 140,000 tickets were sold in the first 24 hours alone. For Ibrahim, returning from overseas to witness the action live in his hometown of Casablanca will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
«This is my first chance to attend an international football tournament in person,» he shares. «I’ll be in Tanger on December 27 for the highly anticipated clash between Senegal and DR Congo. To experience this on home soil? Unforgettable.» The tournament kicks off on December 21 in Rabat, with the entire nation buzzing with anticipation.
the road ahead: expectations are sky-high
Moroccan supporters, now conditioned by high standards, demand nothing short of excellence. «We expect not just to win, but to play attractive, dominant football,» Ibrahim insists. «We have the players, the tactics, and the passion. There’s no excuse for failure.»
The Atlas Lions enter the tournament as favorites, fueled by their recent World Cup heroics and a squad brimming with confidence. For Ibrahim and millions of Moroccan fans, CAN 2025 isn’t just another competition—it’s a chance to finally silence the critics and etch their names into African football history.
More Stories
Swiss authorities probe Gunvor’s Gabon oil deal amid corruption concerns
Morocco pushes ahead with regionalization amid stalled western Sahara talks
Mali offers rewards to catch prominent rebel leaders