Fouzi Lekjaa: Morocco ready to deliver ‘Historic’ AFCON and keep trophy at home

Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), has reaffirmed Morocco’s ambition to host a “historic” Africa Cup of Nations while setting a clear target for the Atlas Lions – winning the trophy on home soil.

Speaking at the official unveiling of CAF’s partnership with Oulmès Mineral Waters, Lekjaa highlighted Morocco’s readiness to take on the organisational challenge.

“Meeting challenges, overcoming challenges, is a Moroccan characteristic,” he declared, stressing that the Kingdom is fully prepared to deliver “the best CAN in history,” a stepping stone toward co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

But Lekjaa’s ambitions extend beyond staging the tournament. He was emphatic about the team’s responsibility to secure continental glory.

“We must win it, we have the obligation to keep the trophy in Morocco,” he insisted, underlining the expectations placed on Walid Regragui’s side.

The federation chief also paid tribute to Moroccan stars Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bounou, who continue to shine on the global stage. Hakimi recently finished sixth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, while Bounou was voted the world’s fifth-best goalkeeper.

Lekjaa expressed hope that the upcoming CAF Awards will reflect these global standings.

Extending his vision beyond Morocco, the FRMF president emphasised Africa’s growing football power.

“Our players, since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, have become the driving force of African development. We hope that one of our African teams can win the World Cup. In any case, we have the will to do so.”

With Morocco’s preparations in full swing, Lekjaa’s rallying cry sets the tone for a tournament that promises to be as ambitious as it is historic.