Fouzi Lekjaa confident Morocco can win AFCON trophy on home soil

President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has expressed strong belief that the Atlas Lions can lift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy when the country hosts the competition later this year.

Speaking in a televised interview, Lekjaa insisted that Morocco has both the talent and preparation to go all the way.

“Our statements should be understood in their natural context. We have no choice but to win. We have waited a long time, and we are hosting the tournament in our country. We have prepared all the requirements for success, and we have a team that includes wonderful talents. So what is preventing us from winning the title?

“This is the challenge: that the cup will remain in Rabat, God willing. But this dream requires a great deal of effort and sweat, respect for opponents and competitors, and fighting on the field to achieve the goal.”

Addressing concerns that expectations may place extra pressure on the team, Lekjaa said Morocco must embrace the responsibility that comes with being hosts and Africa’s top-ranked side.

“Some talk about psychological pressure, but we must accept this situation as we are the hosts and occupy the top spot in the African rankings. Our dream goes beyond the Africa Cup of Nations to compete for the World Cup in the future, and this is not a fantasy, but a reality.”

Morocco has been drawn in Group A of the 2025 AFCON alongside Comoros, Mali, and Zambia.

The 35th edition of the tournament is scheduled to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.