Karim El Ahmadi: Morocco has only one goal—to win AFCON 2025

In 100 days, Morocco will open the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 against Comoros at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, and former Atlas Lions midfielder Karim El Ahmadi insists there is only one acceptable outcome – lifting the trophy on home soil.

The country is preparing to host Africa’s flagship football tournament for the first time since 1988, with newly built venues, upgraded infrastructure and a passionate fan base expected to create a spectacular stage.

For El Ahmadi, who represented Morocco at AFCON 2017 and 2019, this edition carries extraordinary weight for both players and supporters.

Speaking to CAFOnline.com, he recalled his own experiences in the competition.

AFCON 2019 in Egypt is a good memory. We finished top of our group with Côte d’Ivoire—a tough section—and won all our matches. Then we faced Benin. Everyone thought it would be easy, but that is AFCON: even the so-called smaller nations can beat the big ones. We lost on penalties, but our group stage was excellent. To be honest, it was the best Morocco team I played in, in terms of experience and quality.

For him, the uniqueness of the tournament lies in its meaning.

What makes AFCON unique is that players are not playing for a club, a wage or money. They play to make their people and families happy and to bring a trophy back to their country. That is the difference.

Looking ahead to December, El Ahmadi expects Morocco’s home advantage to serve as an inspiration rather than a burden.

Yes, there will be pressure. But for me the supporters give extra motivation; they push players to go beyond 100 per cent. Moroccan players have enough experience to handle that pressure—it will even be a strength. We saw it in Qatar: it felt as if we were playing in Morocco because of the number of fans. In December it will be the same.

He also believes the squad assembled by Walid Regragui is equipped to meet the expectations.

The biggest strength is the collective. We saw at the last World Cup that it was not only about individuals but a real team. Today there is a huge amount of talent and many good players. In every position there are three or four options. The strength comes from difference-makers: Hakimi on the right, Mazraoui on the left, En-Nesyri up front, Amrabat in midfield for defensive balance. And, above all, we have a top goalkeeper in Yassine Bounou, which is essential to win AFCON.

El Ahmadi revealed that the message from within the current squad is unanimous.

They all say the same thing: there is no room for second or third place. There is only one target—to win AFCON and keep the trophy in Morocco.

Beyond the football, he hopes the tournament also showcases Morocco to the continent and beyond.

On the pitch, I hope we play very well and win AFCON. Off it, I hope all visitors enjoy Morocco.

There is so much to discover for tourists. Above all, that visitors from every nation feel welcome and have a great time in Morocco.

As the countdown to kick-off continues, El Ahmadi’s words encapsulate the ambition of a nation: nothing less than victory will do.