The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the match schedule for the much-anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Morocco. With nine venues across six cities selected for Africa’s grandest football showdown, the stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying tournament.

Morocco, a country with a rich football culture and top-tier infrastructure, is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring a world-class experience for teams and fans alike. The tournament will kick off on Sunday, December 21, with the host nation taking on Comoros at the newly-built 69,500-seater Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. The capital city will be the heart of the competition, boasting four match venues, while Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier will also host key games.

For a country that has consistently impressed on the global football stage—most notably with its historic semi-final finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup—hosting AFCON presents another opportunity for Morocco to showcase its sporting excellence. This tournament will not only test Morocco’s ability as hosts but also set a new benchmark for how African football should be presented to the world.

Crunch Matches and High Stakes

CAF has structured the knockout rounds to ensure maximum excitement. The quarter-finals will be spread across Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, and Agadir, while the semi-finals will take place in Rabat and Tangier. The battle for third place is set for Casablanca’s iconic Stade Mohammed V, a stadium known for its electrifying atmosphere.

A total of 52 matches will be played throughout the tournament, culminating in what is expected to be a grand finale. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, who triumphed on home soil in AFCON 2023, will be looking to retain their title, but they will face stiff competition from powerhouses like Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria.

Opinion: Can Africa Deliver a World-Class AFCON?

While Morocco has proven itself capable of hosting major tournaments, one of the biggest concerns for AFCON has always been logistics, officiating, and fair competition. Will CAF ensure smooth officiating without controversial refereeing decisions? Will the organization be flawless, allowing fans to enjoy an uninterrupted football festival?

AFCON is more than just a competition—it is a celebration of African talent, culture, and unity. It’s time for CAF to elevate this tournament to global standards, ensuring that it not only entertains but also cements Africa’s place in world football.

As the countdown begins, football fans across Africa and beyond eagerly await what promises to be a spectacular tournament. Will Morocco shine on home soil? Will a new champion emerge? One thing is certain—AFCON 2025 will be a festival of passion, skill, and unforgettable moments.

🚀 What are your thoughts? Can Morocco deliver the best AFCON yet? Let’s hear your predictions! 🔥⚽