As the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 reaches its decisive stage, attention has shifted beyond tactics and team news to a powerful symbol of the tournament’s climax.
Days before the final showdown between hosts Morocco and Senegal, the Confederation of African Football, in partnership with PUMA, unveiled a special commemorative version of the official match ball, ITRI, created exclusively for the final.
It is a gesture that underlines the scale, meaning and heritage of African football’s grandest night.
A final staged at the heart of Moroccan ambition
The final will be played on Sunday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off set for 8:00 p.m. local time (19:00 GMT).
For Morocco, the occasion represents more than hosting duties. The Atlas Lions are seeking to crown a month-long campaign by lifting the continental title on home soil, against a Senegal side that has set the standard in African football over the past decade.
The setting, atmosphere and stakes combine to make the encounter one of the most anticipated AFCON finals in recent history.
ITRI: A ball designed for a defining moment
CAF’s decision to introduce a special-edition match ball for the final reflects the significance of the occasion. The ITRI ball is distinguished by elegant gold detailing, chosen to symbolise excellence, achievement and the ultimate prize at stake. Its design pays tribute to both finalists, elevating the final into a celebration rather than just a contest.
Moroccan identity woven into the design
Beyond its visual appeal, the ITRI ball carries deep cultural meaning. It preserves the tournament’s broader visual identity, featuring intricate geometric patterns anchored by a central star and surrounded by floral motifs arranged in circular symmetry.
These elements draw inspiration from Moroccan art and architecture, offering a subtle nod to the host nation’s rich cultural heritage and its place within African history.
Technology meets tradition on Africa’s biggest stage
On the technical side, the ball has been developed using PUMA’s Orbita 6 technology, ensuring optimal balance, accuracy and consistency during play.
This fusion of advanced performance engineering with cultural symbolism mirrors the wider vision of AFCON 2025, a tournament that has aimed to project Africa’s identity without compromising the modern demands of elite football.
More than a final, a continental statement
With Morocco and Senegal preparing to contest the trophy, the final becomes more than a match decided by goals and moments.
Through the unveiling of the ITRI ball, AFCON 2025 presents its closing act as a celebration of African football, culture and progress, wrapped into a single, historic night in Rabat.
