Morocco begin their 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign on Sunday with a highly anticipated clash against Angola in Nairobi, marking the opening matchday of Group A.
The fixture will kick off at 6pm local time at the Nyayo National Stadium in the Kenyan capital. That corresponds to 5pm in France and 3pm GMT.
In Morocco, viewers can follow the action live on beIN Sports, while Angolan broadcaster TPA (Televisão Pública de Angola) will carry the match domestically. As of now, no broadcaster has been announced for France.
This encounter pits two sides with contrasting CHAN histories but equal ambition, as both nations aim to make an early statement in a group that also features hosts Kenya, DR Congo and Zambia.
Morocco, two-time CHAN champions, arrive with the burden of expectation and the confidence that comes with past success.
Led by head coach Tarik Sektioui, the Atlas Lions have built their squad exclusively from domestic players in accordance with the competition’s regulations.
Most of the squad features talent from the Moroccan top flight, the Botola Pro, and the team is expected to leverage its tactical cohesion and tournament experience.
However, Morocco’s preparation was not without setbacks. A 3-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in their final warm-up match raised some concerns over form and defensive solidity.
Despite the stumble, Sektioui’s side remains a heavyweight in African football and will be determined to assert control from the opening whistle.
Angola, meanwhile, come into the match with less fanfare but no shortage of purpose. The Palancas Negras, under the stewardship of Portuguese coach Pedro Gonçalves, are aiming to surpass their previous best CHAN finish — a fourth place achieved in 2011 during their debut campaign in Sudan.
Gonçalves, who also manages Angola’s senior national team, has instilled a consistent playing philosophy across all levels of Angolan football.
His long-term approach has provided the CHAN squad with a clear identity rooted in defensive discipline and physical intensity.
While Angola may not carry the same weight of expectation as Morocco, they arrive in Kenya bolstered by the senior team’s impressive quarter-final run in the last Africa Cup of Nations.
That momentum, combined with Gonçalves’ continuity and tactical clarity, makes them a dangerous opponent in this group.
That said, Angola will face an early test of their depth, as striker Anderson Cruz of Atlético Petroleos has been ruled out of the tournament’s early stages due to injury.
His absence could affect their attacking threat, placing additional pressure on the remaining forwards to deliver in his stead.
The stakes are high, as a strong start in this competitive group could prove vital for both teams. Morocco will be eager to justify their pedigree, while Angola look to turn stability and stealth into progress on the continental stage.
Sunday’s match promises to be a telling encounter in CHAN 2025, as two contrasting football cultures meet with shared ambition and plenty on the line.
