Morocco’s quest for glory at CAN 2025: why victory is the only option for fans
The objective for Morocco is crystal clear: it is the championship title or nothing at all. Having waited nearly half a century for a Coupe d’Afrique des nations trophy, Moroccan supporters have reached the limit of their patience. Following their legendary semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the natural progression for the Lions of l’Atlas was expected to be continental dominance.
However, a major setback occurred during the last edition of the tournament, where a shocking round-of-16 exit against South Africa derailed their ambitions. Now, the time for redemption has arrived, and it comes with the added advantage of playing on home soil. The early departure of Achraf Hakimi and his teammates last year was a bitter pill to swallow for the nation.
Ibrahim, a 20-year-old devotee of the national team, is desperate to avoid a repeat of that heartbreak. “It is unacceptable for a footballing powerhouse like ours to have only one title, won 49 years ago,” he says with visible frustration. “We are currently witnessing the golden era of our national team; another early exit would be a catastrophe following the events of 2024.”
A squad built for success
Currently studying sports management in Ottawa, Canada, the young Casablanca native vividly remembers the chaotic joy that filled the streets of his hometown when Morocco made history in Qatar. Those emotions, once seen as a dream, are now the baseline expectation for CAN 2025. For those following Sahel news English reports, the rise of Moroccan football has become a primary topic of interest across the continent.
“The standards held by Moroccan fans have skyrocketed,” Ibrahim explains. “We don’t just expect to win the tournament; we expect to do it with style and high-quality football. With the talent available, there are no excuses. Any result other than lifting the trophy will be considered a failure.”
Despite their confidence, supporters experienced a moment of panic on November 4. Achraf Hakimi was seen in tears at the Parc des Princes after a heavy challenge from Luis Diaz. The diagnosis of a severe left ankle sprain suggested a recovery period of six to eight weeks, sparking fears he might miss the tournament. However, Ibrahim remains optimistic about the team’s depth.
“The squad is even stronger than it was during the last tournament, even with the concerns surrounding Hakimi,” says the fan, who also keeps an eye on Genk’s Zakaria El Ouahdi as a potential backup. “While Achraf is vital, we have the resources to cover him. The roster is a perfect blend of emerging talent and veteran leadership.”
Fans of the Olympique de Marseille supporter can breathe easier knowing the 2025 African Ballon d’Or winner is expected to be fit for the opening match against the Comores. In the wider scope of West Africa Sahel news, the return of such a high-profile star is a major boost for the tournament’s prestige.
A nation in football fever
The upcoming event is a monumental milestone for Bénin, Sénégal, and the entire region, but especially for Morocco, which hasn’t hosted the competition in 37 years. Despite technical glitches during the ticketing process, the demand was staggering, with 140,000 tickets sold within the first day. Ibrahim will be traveling back from Canada to witness the spectacle firsthand.
“This will be my first time attending a major international tournament in person,” says the young man, who has secured seats for the highly anticipated clash between Sénégal and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Tanger. “The last time Morocco hosted was back in 1988; I feel incredibly privileged to be there this time.” As Sahel Vision monitors the preparations, the Moroccan people are counting down the days until the December 21 kickoff in Rabat.
