The Africa Cup of Nations is in full swing in Morocco , but the atmosphere in the streets is radically different from the previous edition. Between the pressure of the result for the host country, the winter weather, and the sometimes sparse fan zones, this AFCON is distinguished by its seriousness, far from the festive exuberance of Côte d’Ivoire.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has released a bonus of 8 million dollars for the national team , qualified for the round of 16 of the CAN 2025. This reward recognizes the flawless performance of the Atlas Lions, who could earn double in case of final victory.
The coach of the Roja displays his ambitions for the next World Cup. In an interview with the daily newspaper AS , Luis de la Fuente said he is convinced that Spain can win the supreme title next year, while designating Morocco as one of the most serious rivals, not sparing his praise for the quality of the Moroccan squad.
Optimism is the order of the day for the "Magician". Hakim Ziyech , now a leading figure of Wydad de Casablanca, is fully confident in the Atlas Lions. In a recent media appearance, the Moroccan international did not just aim for the continental crown at home: he sees Morocco at the top of the world in 2026.
The suspense is over. After brilliantly validating their first place in Group A, the Atlas Lions now know their fate. They will face the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations. The appointment is set for next Sunday at the Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat.
The adventure ends prematurely for Zambia . Defeated 3-0 by Morocco on Monday evening, Moses Mwape Sichone’s men are out of the competition in the first round. In the press conference, the coach acknowledged the superiority of the opponent and the mistakes of his team, while pleading for patience in order to build the future.
The joy of Moroccan supporters turned to excess on Monday evening in the Pink City. Following the victory of the Atlas Lions against Zambia, the celebrations degenerated in Toulouse, where a police station was targeted by pyrotechnic devices.
The truth on the field prevailed over the provocations . After describing Morocco as an "overrated" team before the match, Zambian midfielder Wilson Chisala radically changed his discourse after his team’s heavy defeat (3-0), acknowledging the undisputed superiority of the Atlas Lions.
Qualified with panache and assured of remaining in their Rabat fortress, the Atlas Lions now have their eyes fixed on the other groups. The regulations are clear: the group A winner will face the best third-placed team from groups C, D or E. In light of the current standings, three scenarios are emerging for Walid Regragui, ranging from the trap match against Sudan to the physical challenge against Benin.
Mission accomplished for Walid Regragui. After the convincing victory over Zambia (3-0) , the national coach did not hide his satisfaction, hailing a collective performance that was completed at the ideal time to approach the knockout phase.
A perfect evening for the national team. Morocco brilliantly validated their first place in Group A by outclassing Zambia (3-0) at the Moulay Abdellah complex. Driven by a spectacular brace from Ayoub El Kaabi and total control, Walid Regragui’s men earn the right to continue the adventure at home, in Rabat, fully reassuring a public won over by the return of Achraf Hakimi.
Forgotten are the grudges from the draw against Mali. This Monday, as Morocco plays its first place against Zambia, the public has decided to silence its doubts to rally behind Walid Regragui and his players. It is time for a general mobilization to push the national team towards the crown.