Lekjaa Calls CAF’s Choice of Morocco as Host Nation a Culmination of Development Spearheaded by HM the King

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) announced the extension of the Media Accreditation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 to Monday, 20 October 2025, due to a high global demand.

In a press release on its official website, CAF says it has received unprecedented interest from all over the world from media representatives, reflecting the great interest in this edition, stressing that this huge demand has necessitated an extension by CAF.

To ensure that media who are experiencing challenges either with their media applications for accreditation or to access to the media channel are attended to, CAF has also allocated additional resources and human capital.

Additionally, CAF has established a dedicated media services planning desk for all media to be based in Rabat at the Main Media Centre, noting that it is already operational at the CAF Rabat Office.

The AFCON finals will take place from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026. 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided, on Thursday, to delay the opening of the first phase of ticket sales for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in order to finalize important details that will ensure the best possible fan experience.

“CAF is working with the Local Organizing Committee (“LOC”) and various stakeholders and will announce a new date for the first phase of the ticket sales in due course,” the African body said in a press release.

“CAF apologizes for any inconvenience caused,” the same source added.

The Moroccan national team of local players lost 1-0 to their Kenyan counterpart in the third matchday of Group A in the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), held this Sunday in Nairobi.

The winning goal for Kenya was scored by Rambok Ryan Wesley Ogam in the 42nd minute.

The Moroccan team, which was exempt from the second matchday, now has three points from two matches.

The other match in this group will see Zambia face Angola.

(MAP:10 August 2025)

Morocco’s national team of local players defeated Angola 2-0 in Group A’s first matchday of the African Nations Championship (CHAN-2024), played on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

The Atlas Lions won thanks to goals from Imad Riahi (29′) and Angola’s Quinito (81′), who scored an own goal.

Following this victory, Morocco takes sits atop its group (3 points), ahead of Kenya, which defeated DR Congo 1-0 the same day at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, with a goal by Austin Odhiambo (45+2′).

Nineteen national teams, composed exclusively of players from African national leagues, are taking part in this 8th edition of the CHAN.

This is the first edition to be jointly organized by three East African countries: Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

(MAP: 03 August 2025)

A meeting was held Thursday at the Interior Ministry to assess the progress of construction and rehabilitation work on stadiums in the six cities set to host matches of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled for December 2025 (Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Marrakech, and Agadir). 

The meeting was an opportunity to review the related complementary urban upgrading programs, as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing preparations for this continental event. 

The preparation is progressing in accordance with the established timelines, the Interior Ministry noted in a press release, adding that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the completion of the projects within the set deadlines.

In parallel with stadium-related works, the six cities have launched complementary programs aimed at improving urban mobility, upgrading urban infrastructure, redeveloping the surroundings of the stadiums, and preparing areas designated for welcoming visitors and organizing entertainment activities, with the goal of providing the best possible conditions to host delegations and fans.

Over 120 projects are currently underway across the six cities, and all measures have been taken to ensure their completion before next December, the same source added.

The organization of AFCON 2025 represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the Kingdom’s international standing, highlight Morocco’s economic, cultural, and tourism assets, and inject new momentum into the national economy. 

Regional officials in Morocco say infrastructure projects for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are progressing steadily, with completion expected ahead of schedule.

   Following a meeting at the Interior Ministry in Rabat on Thursday, the presidents of the regional councils for the six host cities—Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Marrakech, and Agadir—voiced full commitment to ensuring the success of the tournament and future global sporting events, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

   Abdellatif Maâzouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, said all infrastructure linked to AFCON 2025 would be ready by July. “There is a clear vision for both AFCON and the 2030 World Cup, including infrastructure, human resources, and entertainment,” he told reporters. He also highlighted a major tourism initiative designed to capitalize on the expected influx of international visitors.

   Rachid El Abdi, President of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Regional Council, said the meeting allowed participants to assess the progress of key infrastructure projects, including stadiums, transport, hospitality, and training programs. All projects, he said, are aligned with international standards.

   Omar Moro, President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, reported that works in his region were already at an advanced stage.

   For his part, Karim Achengli, President of the Souss-Massa Regional Council, expressed confidence in the readiness of all host cities, describing AFCON 2025 as a “major opportunity” for economic and infrastructure development.

   The Interior Ministry said more than 120 projects are underway across the six host cities. All are scheduled for completion by December, several months ahead of the January 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

   Officials said hosting AFCON will enhance Morocco’s international profile and promote its economic, cultural, and tourism sectors while injecting momentum into national development.