A week after the Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations in Rabat city, Morocco; the focus turned to welcoming the virgin 2026.
Normally, the start of the new-year world-wide is ushered with euphoric gestures and celebrations.
The mood in Rabat city was on a low-key at most points I moved to from Hay Al-Fath (my residence), Prestigia, Riyadh, Al Madina to Salle, the Kings’ Palace, Solfitel Hotel and other areas around Rabat.
It was business as usual in most parts of Rabat and Morocco as the new-year (2026) came knocking.
Back home in Uganda, I saw images and videos of fire-wax from the varying places of entertainment.
Being two hours ahead of Morocco, the celebrations in Uganda came first and it remained low key in Rabat.
At first, I thought the time had not yet arrived and there was no need to worry.
Perhaps, clocking towards mid-night in Rabat, the mood remained unchanged.
A couple of people in fan parks, happening places, public restaurants and open benches celebrated with wild chanting.
By and large, the celebrations in Rabat were low below the mark I had anticipated.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Uganda Cranes returned to Rabat from Fes city where they had lost 1-3 to Nigeria Super Eagles.
The Cranes departed Rabat to Casablanca enroute to Entebbe and other destinations where the different place ply their trade for professional football.
It is not holiday for the countries that qualified to the round of 16 stage which resumes on Saturday, 3rd January 2026
On the day as the round of 16 kicks off, Mali will take on Tunisia in Casablanca and Senegal will face CECAFA zone representatives Sudan in Tangier.
The Round of 16 fixtures
Saturday January 3rd, 2026
- Mali Vs Tunisia – Casablanca
- Senegal Vs Sudan – Tangier
Sunday January 4th, 2026
- Morocco Vs Tanzania – Rabat
- South Africa Vs Cameroon – Rabat
Monday January 5th, 2026
- Egypt Vs Benin – Agadir
- Nigeria Vs Mozambique – Fez
Tuesday January 6th, 2026
- Algeria Vs DR Congo – Rabat
- Ivory Coast Vs Burkina Faso – Agadir