President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, has extended a heartfelt invitation to Algerian supporters ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), promising them a warm and respectful welcome in Morocco.
In an interview with French newspaper L’Équipe, Lekjaa emphasized the enduring ties between the two North African nations.
“His Majesty the King has always affirmed that Morocco has been and will always be a country that embraces its Algerian brothers.”
“Algerian families are living peacefully within Moroccan society, and their presence reflects the deep human and fraternal ties between us.”
When asked about his message to Algerian fans, Lekjaa responded with open arms.
“The doors of Morocco will be wide open to the Algerian national team and their supporters—whether they are coming from Algeria or the diaspora. They will be welcomed with warmth and affection, just as they always have been.”
Algeria heads into the tournament in fine form, having qualified unbeaten by topping Group E, which included Togo, Equatorial Guinea, and Liberia.
With five wins and one draw, the Desert Foxes are looking to bounce back after disappointing performances in the 2021 and 2023 editions.
AFCON 2024 will mark Algeria’s 20th appearance at the continental showpiece. They have lifted the trophy twice—in 1990 on home soil, and again in 2019 under coach Djamel Belmadi.
This time, they will be led by Swiss tactician Vladimir Petković, who took charge in March 2024. The former Switzerland national team boss will be making his debut at a major tournament with Algeria, and expectations are high.
The Desert Foxes have been drawn into a competitive group featuring Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan. While considered strong contenders, Petković has cautioned that no match will be easy.
