Rabat is awash with colour, sound and excitement as the Moroccan capital counts down to the kick-off of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, with anticipation building ahead of the tournament’s opening match.
Africa’s biggest football showpiece officially gets underway on Sunday, December 21, when hosts Morocco take on Comoros at the iconic Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah. The opening fixture is scheduled to kick off at 8:00pm local time and marks the return of AFCON to Moroccan soil.
In the days leading up to kick-off, Rabat has transformed into a vibrant melting pot of African cultures. Supporters from across the continent have flooded the city, embracing one another’s languages, traditions and football passions in scenes that reflect the unity and diversity at the heart of AFCON.
Public squares, cafés and busy streets have become gathering points for fans sharing chants, swapping stories and debating predictions, while the city hums with a sense of shared celebration.
Local support has been especially striking. Moroccans have turned out in large numbers to welcome visiting fans and celebrate hosting the continent once again. National pride is visible throughout Rabat, with flags, team jerseys and AFCON banners adorning streets, buildings and public spaces.
The tournament has also drawn a significant influx of tourists from Africa and beyond, filling hotels and boosting activity across the city. Restaurants, markets and entertainment venues have enjoyed increased business, underlining AFCON’s positive impact on the local economy.
Across Rabat, key landmarks and fan zones are decked in AFCON colours, reinforcing the tournament’s presence and creating a festive atmosphere that stretches beyond the stadiums. The scenes reflect a country fully immersed in Africa’s premier football event.
