The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations -AFCON got off to a spectacular opening at Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
A mesmerizing thirty minutes opening ceremony gave a glimpse of what to expect at the continent’s biggest football showpiece.
It was all about lights, sounds, international artists, dancers and creative acts that amused the over 60,000 fans in attendance.
Africa’s top star Davido from Nigeria, along with Morocco’s French Montana, led the cast of musicians on stage for the opening ceremony.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe addressed Africa and promised a great tournament.
Under the graceful view of the Crown Prince of Morocco, Moulay Hassan, it was the hosts Morocco that took on Comoros in the tournament’s opening match.
The hosts, favourites to win the tournament, got off to a great start but their efforts were thwarted on 11 minutes when Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor kept out Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty.
A goalless first half ended. But Morocco returned more determined, and their persistence upfront paid off when in the 55th minute Brahim Diaz put the ball behind the net; for the tournament’s opening goal.
Morocco intensified their attack, and with a splendid bicycle kick from Ayoub El Kaabi in the 73rd minute, extended their lead.
A perfect score to get their tournament off. The hosts next face Mali on Friday,
Comoros will contest Zambia on their matchday two.