The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicked off in spectacular fashion in Morocco on Sunday, with the host nation embracing its role with vibrant celebrations and high expectations. Despite wintry showers, the festive spirit remained unbroken as fans clad in the national red and green filled the streets and stadiums hours before the first match.
A Grand Opening Sets the Stage
The celebrations began a night prior with a fan parade through the capital, Rabat. The official opening ceremony on Sunday featured a stunning light show and the first live performance of the tournament's official song by renowned artists, including Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo and French-Moroccan rapper Lartiste. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, standing beside a portrait of King Mohammed VI, declared in French that this would be "the best ever Africa Cup of Nations!"
The opening match was held at the renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which has a capacity of nearly 70,000. This venue is one of nine across six Moroccan cities that were either newly built or upgraded specifically for the continental championship.
Atlas Lions Begin Their Hunt for Glory
The Moroccan national team, known as the Atlas Lions, entered the tournament as one of the top contenders. Ranked 11th in the world and the highest in Africa, they carry the hopes of a nation seeking its second AFCON title, exactly 50 years after their sole victory in 1976. Their campaign started against the island nation of Comoros, ranked 108th globally and making only its second appearance in the competition.
No host nation has lost the tournament's opening match since Burkina Faso in 1998, adding pressure and excitement to Morocco's start. Team captain Achraf Hakimi, who recovered from an ankle injury to be named among the substitutes, showcased his African Footballer of the Year trophy to fans before kickoff.
Tournament Highlights and Future Shift
The tournament mascot, a lion named Assad, pays homage to the Barbary lions that once roamed North Africa. In a poignant historical note, the last known photograph of a wild lion in Morocco was taken from an aircraft over the Atlas Mountains in 1925.
Other strong contenders include Egypt, which began its quest for a record-extending eighth title on Monday. Defending champion Ivory Coast starts its campaign on Wednesday, while Senegal, Cameroon, and Algeria are also considered favourites. Notably, Algeria joined Morocco as the only teams to sell out all their group-stage matches.
In a significant development for the competition's future, it was announced on Saturday that the Africa Cup of Nations will shift from a biennial to a four-year cycle after this edition, aligning itself with the FIFA international calendar. This move marks a new chapter for the prestigious tournament, which Morocco is showcasing with its world-class infrastructure, bolstered by its historic run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals and its upcoming role as a co-host for the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
