can 2025: why moroccan fans refuse to accept anything but victory

As the CAN 2025 approaches, African football fever is reaching its peak. The Moroccan national team, known as the Lions of the Atlas, is under immense pressure to deliver a long-overdue triumph on home soil. For Ibrahim, a 20-year-old supporter now studying sports management in Ottawa, this year’s tournament is more than just a competition—it’s a decade-long dream in the making.

a nation hungry for its first can title in nearly half a century

The Moroccan football team last lifted the African Cup of Nations trophy in 1976, and the wait has been excruciating. After their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup run—where they reached the semifinals for the first time—the pressure to succeed on home turf has never been greater. Ibrahim, who hails from Casablanca, vividly remembers the jubilant scenes across the city when the Lions of the Atlas defied expectations in Qatar.

Yet, the disappointment of their 2024 CAN exit at the hands of South Africa still lingers. “It’s unacceptable for a football powerhouse like Morocco to have just one CAN title in nearly 50 years,” Ibrahim declares passionately. “The team is at its peak now. Any result short of a victory would feel like another crushing setback.”

a squad built for success

Despite the recent injury to star player Achraf Hakimi—whose absence for 6-8 weeks due to a severe ankle sprain has raised concerns—the Moroccan squad remains stacked with talent. Ibrahim remains optimistic: “Hakimi is irreplaceable, but we have depth. The blend of young talents like Zakaria El Ouahdi and experienced campaigners gives us every reason to believe in a triumphant campaign.”

With Ballon d’Or African winner 2025 on their side, the Lions of the Atlas are poised to make history. Ibrahim is particularly eager to witness the opening match against Comoros, a fixture he believes could set the tone for the entire tournament.

a nation united in hope and expectation

The CAN 2025 marks Morocco’s first time hosting the tournament in 37 years, and the enthusiasm is palpable. Despite initial glitches in the ticketing system—where nearly 140,000 tickets sold out within 24 hours—Ibrahim is among the lucky fans making the journey back to his homeland. “Attending a major international football event in person is a dream come true,” he shares. “The last CAN in Morocco was in 1988—this is our chance to witness history unfold right before our eyes.”

With the tournament kicking off on December 21 in Rabat, the Moroccan people are counting down the days. Ibrahim is especially looking forward to the highly anticipated clash between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo on December 27 in Tangier. For him and millions of other fans, the message is clear: the Lions of the Atlas must return home as champions—or not at all.