With just two days to go before the kick-off of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, the host nation has begun to welcome the first wave of contenders, each arrival adding colour, culture and anticipation to Africa’s biggest football festival.
Among the early teams to arrive for Africa’s flagship sports event are Comoros, who will face the host nation in the opening game of the competition in Rabat on Sunday.
Mali, Angola, Egypt, Benin, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Zambia and South Africa also landed in the country by Thursday afternoon.
From Casablanca to Marrakech and Agadir, national teams are settling into their base camps, blending final football preparations with striking cultural displays that underline the spirit of a tournament built on unity, diversity and identity.
On Sunday, that celebration will reach its first crescendo when hosts Morocco face Comoros in the opening match, signalling the start of a month-long journey that will crown a new champion of Africa.
Morocco, as hosts, have been on the ground longest, completing final logistical checks while ensuring a seamless welcome for visiting delegations.
The Atlas Lions, dreaming of lifting the trophy on home soil for the first time since 1976, will open the tournament amid huge expectations and nationwide support.
Angola were among the earliest teams to arrive, touching down in Marrakech to what officials described as an “impeccable reception”.
The Palancas Negras were greeted with warmth and organisation, immediately switching focus to acclimatisation as they bid to make a deep run after steady recent progress on the continental stage.
Zimbabwe’s Warriors have also arrived, basing themselves in Casablanca.
Team officials confirmed the squad landed safely and in high spirits, with camp morale described as strong, as attention turns fully to fine-tuning tactics and fitness ahead of their AFCON challenge.
Few arrivals captured the imagination quite like Mali, whose Eagles joined their base in Casablanca wearing traditional Bogolan and woven Malian fabrics. The attire was more than symbolic. With 2025 declared Mali’s “Year of Culture”, the delegation proudly showcased its national identity
Comoros, Morocco’s opening-day opponents, have also arrived in Casablanca, dressed in traditional Nkandu attire, reflecting the island nation’s cultural roots.
Calm but quietly confident, the Coelacanths are embracing the occasion, knowing that Sunday’s match against the hosts offers a global stage to announce their presence once again at AFCON.
Benin are settling in the country, where the squad is almost complete, with only Junior Olaitan expected to join shortly.
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are already training in Casablanca, quietly building momentum as the five-time champions, looking to add another chapter to their storied AFCON history.
Egypt, Africa’s most successful nation at the tournament, have arrived in Agadir under head coach Hossam Hassan.
Led by a 28-man squad that includes global stars such as Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs are accompanied by Egyptian FA officials, signalling the seriousness of a campaign aimed at reclaiming continental supremacy.
As colours, cultures and ambitions converge, the message is unmistakable: AFCON 2025 is ready. And when Morocco and Comoros step onto the pitch on Sunday, Africa’s greatest football story will begin again – this time, on Moroccan soil.
Courtesy of CAF Online.
