Rabat, Morocco: The 35th TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) burst into life on Sunday night with a colourful opening ceremony in Rabat, followed by a 2–0 victory for hosts Morocco over Comoros in the tournament’s opening match.
The opening ceremony, staged at a packed stadium in the Moroccan capital, delivered a vibrant celebration of African culture, music and football, watched by millions of viewers across the globe. Organisers blended tradition, modern artistry and symbolism to underline AFCON’s status as more than just a football tournament.
The show opened with serene melodies combining African rhythms and traditional Moroccan sounds, as dancers formed intricate patterns across a brightly lit pitch. One of the ceremony’s most striking images featured a football shaped like the African continent, symbolising unity and shared identity.
Spectacular light projections showcased Morocco’s cultural heritage, highlighting traditional crafts and iconic cities including Fez, Casablanca and Marrakech. A particularly emotional moment followed with the playing of the classic Moroccan song “Allah Ya Moulana,” drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Global music stars, including French Montana, Davido, L’Artiste and Jaylann delivered high-energy performances, reinforcing AFCON’s growing international appeal.
Several high-profile dignitaries attended the ceremony, led by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who opened his address with the greeting “Assalamu Alaikum.” He thanked His Majesty the King of Morocco, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, and the Moroccan people for hosting the tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also present, alongside Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and Comoros President Azali Assoumani, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Following the ceremony and fireworks display, attention shifted to football as Morocco opened their AFCON campaign against Comoros. After a goalless first half, the hosts struck twice after the break.
Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz opened the scoring before striker Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win, sending home fans into celebration.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be played across six cities in Morocco, running until January 18, as Africa’s biggest football spectacle promises weeks of elite competition and continental pride.
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