Morocco rides Arab Cup momentum into AFCON 2025 as home favourites eye historic glory

Morocco enters the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on a wave of confidence following the recent triumph of its B team at the Arab Cup in Doha, a victory analysts say sets the tone for the senior squad as the tournament kicks off at home.

Football experts highlight that the Arab Cup win not only boosts morale but also reinforces a culture of success across Moroccan football, elevating expectations for Walid Regragui’s Atlas Lions.

Sports analysts note that the triumph underscores Morocco’s strategic focus on developing its football ecosystem, from youth to senior levels. The victory, achieved under Moroccan coaches Jamal Salami and Tarik Skitoui, reflects the growing competence of domestic technical staff, who now command respect even at continental and international competitions.

Adel Rahmouni, a prominent analyst, emphasized that this success adds pressure on the senior squad, which has yet to claim an Africa Cup of Nations title since 1976 despite impressive World Cup performances in 2018 and 2022.

Morocco’s preparation is further strengthened by a balanced mix of experienced stars, including Achraf Hakimi, Romain Saïss, and Sofiane Amrabat, alongside emerging talents like Bilal El Khannous and Talbi.

Analysts stress that the support of passionate home fans, high-quality pitches, and world-class stadiums will play a critical role in Morocco’s bid for continental glory.

Rahmouni added that these factors, combined with favorable conditions and meticulous planning, give the squad the tools to compete fiercely against Africa’s top teams.

Former coach and sports expert Mustafa El-Harhar echoed the sentiment, noting that while home advantage is significant, the rising quality of other African nations intensifies competition.

He praised Regragui’s emphasis on squad stability and cohesion, noting that Morocco’s goalkeeping and outfield units are in peak form. He also said the absence of Hakimi, while notable, is unlikely to affect the team’s early matches, with the real test beginning in the quarter-finals against powerhouses such as Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Cameroon.

El-Harhar concluded that the recent successes across Morocco’s youth and women’s teams, alongside professional management at the senior level, indicate the national program’s capacity to sustain high performance under pressure.

Analysts agree that the 2025 AFCON presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Morocco to finally lift the trophy on home soil, fulfilling decades-long ambitions and solidifying its status as a continental football powerhouse.