AFCON 2025 Kicks Off in Morocco Amid Protests

By John Pranay (Editor)

Morocco hosts the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), kicking off on Sunday, December 21, with the continent's top football talents converging for a month-long celebration. The tournament will be played across six cities, including Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech, with the final taking place at the newly renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the capital. Morocco will face Comoros in the opening match, with high expectations from the host nation and other top contenders.

As the 2025 AFCON kicks off, Morocco is under close scrutiny due to protests earlier this year criticizing the government's heavy spending on AFCON preparations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The Confederation of African Football confirmed in October that Morocco would remain the host nation despite these concerns. The tournament will feature 24 teams, including reigning champions Ivory Coast, traditional powerhouses Nigeria, Senegal, and Egypt, as well as potential dark horses South Africa and DR Congo.

• 1957: The inaugural AFCON takes place in Sudan with just three teams participating.

• 1968: The competition expands and becomes biennial.

• 1988: Morocco hosts the AFCON for the first time.

• 1976: Morocco wins the AFCON for the first time.

• 2022: Morocco reaches the World Cup semi-finals.

• 2023: Morocco's disappointing showing in the AFCON.

• 2025: The 2025 AFCON kicks off in Morocco on December 21.

The Africa Cup of Nations has a rich history, dating back to 1957. The tournament has been held biennially since 1968 and has grown to become the continent's premier international men's football tournament. Egypt is the most successful nation in AFCON history, having won the title seven times. The tournament's financial benefits, including bonuses for qualification, match wins, and progression, make it a significant event for African players.

The AFCON has a profound impact on the continent, bringing together millions of people behind one flag and one team. The tournament creates a sense of collective identity that goes beyond everyday divisions, uniting a continent with diverse ethnic groups, languages, and political differences. For the players, this national togetherness creates a deep sense of responsibility and inspiration, fueling their passion, effort, and pride in wearing national colours.

The 2025 AFCON marks a significant moment in African football, with the continent's top talents converging in Morocco. The tournament's shift to a four-year cycle from 2028 and return to even-numbered years will have a lasting impact on the sport. The financial benefits of participating in the AFCON, including bonuses and sponsorships, make it a crucial event for African players and national federations.

This year's AFCON marks a turning point in African football, with the continent's top teams and players vying for the coveted title. However, the tournament's financial and logistical challenges, including the heavy spending on preparations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, raise questions about the long-term sustainability of the event. As the AFCON continues to grow in popularity and influence, it is crucial for African football stakeholders to address these challenges and ensure the tournament remains a celebration of the continent's rich football heritage.

Assessment: Bullish.

1. Why AFCON Still Matters To African Players — https://www.channelstv.com/2025/12/21/why-afcon-still-matters-to-african-players/

2. AFCON 2025 kicks off in Morocco: teams and players to watch — https://www.newarab.com/news/afcon-2025-kicks-morocco-teams-and-players-watch

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.