Kickoff of AFCON 2025 by Prince Moulay Hassan bin Mohammed

AFCON 2025 Opening Ceremony

• 💡 The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 officially kicked off in Rabat, Morocco.
• 👑 The ceremonial kickoff was performed by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Hassan bin Mohammed, alongside Prince Moulay Abdellah.
• 👏 The event featured a passionate atmosphere despite intermittent rain, with high spirits among attendees.

Key Dignitaries and Teams

• 🤝 FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe were present at the opening.
• ⚽ The opening match features host nation Morocco against Comoros at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
• 👑 Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, was also prominently featured.

Morocco's Expectations and Squad

• 🎯 Morocco, as the host nation, faces high expectations to perform well, with anything less than three points feeling like a missed opportunity.
• 🌟 The squad includes standout players like Yassine Bounou, an icon warmly greeted by the audience.
• ⚠️ Achraf Hakimi was on the bench as a precaution due to an ankle injury for the opening fixture.

Comoros' Competitive Spirit

• 🚀 Comoros, having impressed in their 2021 campaign, is not just here to participate but to compete, aiming to prove themselves.
• 💪 Their captain, Youssouf M'Changama, is a 35-year-old standout and the all-time leading caps winner for his country.
• ✨ For Comoros, there's a sense of freedom in this game, contrasting with Morocco's obligation and expectation.

Qualifying Performance & History

• ✅ Morocco achieved a perfect qualifying record with six wins in six matches, topping Group B.
• 📊 Comoros also had a stunning undefeated qualifying campaign with three wins and three draws, topping their group.
• 🗓️ Their only previous AFCON encounter was in January 2022, where Morocco defeated Comoros 2-0 in the group stages.