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

In its review following the first-round matches, the French media outlet highlights modern stadiums, the quality of the pitches, spectator access, and ticket checkpoint systems as being among the “strengths of the organization.”

“TV production at this AFCON is well established in 2025. With around thirty cameras per stadium, drones, and high-quality directing, the Africa Cup is filmed like a European Championship match,” RMC explains, stressing that the playing surfaces are among the competition’s main assets.

In a report by its correspondents on site, the channel notes that “all the pitches used have been perfect, even though torrential rains have hit Morocco since the start of the tournament. The pitches have been praised by several head coaches.”

It also emphasized the very smooth access to stadiums for spectator flows, while at external security checkpoints, “everything is running properly for an event of this scale.”

In the streets of the host cities, “coexistence among all supporters is perfect,” it continued, noting that “no tension was observed during the opening fixtures of the tournament.”

As for stadium refreshment areas, the offering remains abundant, with very affordable prices for spectators, reporters say, while also describing security across all venues as “perfect.”

In this context, RMC Sport underlines that AFCON 2025 represents a full-scale rehearsal for Morocco ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which the Kingdom will co-host.

The fixture is scheduled for Sunday, January 4th at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat

Tanzania qualified as best third-placed team from Group C with two draws and one loss, a total of 2 points.

In turn, Morocco advanced top of Group A with 7 points, following two wins against Comoros (2-0) and Zambia (3-0), and a tie with Mali (1-1).

The Belgian French-speaking public broadcaster ‘RTBF’ referred to a “landmark victory,” noting that Morocco “crushed Zambia and advanced to the AFCON Round of 16.”

“Despite being under pressure,” the host country “did not falter for a second” on Monday night and managed to win by a large margin to finish at the top of its group and approach the rest of the competition “with much more confidence,” said the public broadcaster.

According to ‘RTBF’, “without exerting themselves, completely suffocating a helpless opponent,” the Atlas Lions have “built up their confidence at the best possible moment,” on the eve of the knockout stage.

For its part, ‘Sporza’, the sports website of the Flemish public broadcaster ‘VRT’, highlighted Morocco’s collective and attacking performance, secured by goals from El Kaabi, who scored twice, and Brahim Díaz. The Dutch-speaking media said that the Moroccans “convinced and impressed” during this final matchday, firmly securing their top spot in Group A.

The daily ‘DH Les Sports’ stressed that Morocco “qualified without trembling against Zambia,” recalling that, under pressure in front of their home crowd, the favorite of AFCON 2025 lived up to expectations by outclassing their opponent to secure their ticket to the Round of 16.

‘Le Soir’ highlighted the expected reaction from the Atlas Lions after the draw against Mali, noting that the match was decided in the first half with two goals scored in less than thirty minutes.

‘Voetbalnieuws’ pointed out that all eyes were on Morocco, the host nation and top favorite of the 35th edition, on Monday night. The Dutch-speaking sports site highlighted the convincing victory over Zambia, notably marked by El Kaabi’s brace, including a “legendary goal” scored with an acrobatic bicycle kick.

Finally, ‘Walfoot’ said that Morocco bounced back well after the draw against Mali, earning seven points out of nine in the group stage to finish first in their group with a clear lead. According to the Belgian site, this performance confirms the Atlas Lions’ status as strong favorites in this AFCON.

The Atlas Lions’ goal was scored by Brahim Diaz from the penalty spot in stoppage time of the first half (45’ +5). From the same spot, Lassine Sinayoko equalized for Mali in the 64th minute of play.

The draw allows the Atlas Lions to remain top of their group with four points, followed by Zambia and Mali with two points each, while Comoros sit bottom with one point.

In the third and final round, Walid Regragui’s men will face Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Monday (8:00 p.m. local time) at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with a place in the round of 16 at stake.

Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring for the Atlas Lions in the 9th minute of play, before Brahim Diaz doubled the lead (27′). El Kaabi made it three, scoring with another acrobatic overhead kick.

Thanks to this victory, Morocco finishes the group stage at the top of the table with 7 points.

El Kaabi and Diaz join Riyad Mahrez at the lead of the temporary scoring charts with three goals each.

On the first and second matchdays, Walid Regragui’s men beat Comoros 2-0 before drawing 1-1 with Mali.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Monday’s clash against Zambia, scheduled for 8 p.m. at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, as part of Matchday 3 in Group A of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Regragui stated: “We have the opportunity to secure first place against Zambia and stay in Rabat, which is our primary objective,” adding that the squad “will continue to improve.”

“I have full confidence in this group, which is truly united. We know what we need to do to keep progressing, while understanding that we have to suffer in order to perform and grow,” he stressed.

The national coach also highlighted that “we have gained a lot in terms of mindset within the national team.”

In this regard, he noted that “we are doing our job to make our supporters happy,” pointing out that criticism can also be “beneficial in helping us improve and perform at a higher level.”

Regarding Achraf Hakimi’s availability for the Zambia match, Regragui confirmed: “What is certain is that Achraf Hakimi will play tomorrow.”

“We will decide whether he starts or not, but it will definitely be his first appearance at this AFCON,” he added.

Morocco currently tops Group A with four points, followed closely by Mali and Zambia with two points each, while Comoros sit bottom with one point.

Mali and Comoros will face off on Monday at 8 p.m. at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca.