The 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) burst into life on Sunday night in Rabat with a spectacular opening ceremony that blended music, movement and symbolism, setting an emphatic tone for a month-long celebration of African football in Morocco.
Played out before a sold-out capacity crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and watched by millions on television across the globe, the ceremony unfolded moments before hosts Morocco faced Comoros in the tournament’s opening match.
It offered a vivid reminder that AFCON is as much a cultural showcase as it is a sporting contest.
The ceremony opened with a calm yet evocative musical sequence, fusing African rhythms with traditional Moroccan sounds. Performers moved in carefully choreographed patterns across a pitch transformed by colour and light, reflecting the continent’s diversity and football heritage.
A central figure carrying a football-shaped map symbolised Africa’s unity, while Amazigh-inspired music underscored Morocco’s identity and deep historical roots.
Visual projections drew inspiration from Moroccan zellige patterns and artisanal crafts, while giant screens showcased everyday life, education, landscapes and iconic cities including Fez, Casablanca and Marrakech.
One of the most emotional moments came with a rendition of Allah Ya Moulana, immortalised by legendary Moroccan group Nass El Ghiwane, anchoring the spectacle in cultural memory.
Music took centre stage as global stars French Montana, Davido, L’Artiste and Jaylann delivered uplifting performances that energised the crowd and resonated with international audiences, reinforcing AFCON’s growing global appeal.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, opening his address with “Assalamu Alaikum”, thanked King Mohammed VI, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the Moroccan government and people, as well as Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa, for their role in bringing the tournament to life.
He hailed Morocco’s passion for football and declared the competition officially open in the presence of the FIFA President Gianni Infantino
The presence of Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, who officially inaugurated the competition alongside Motsepe and Infantino, added ceremonial weight to the evening.
The Comoros President Azali Assoumani was also in attendance, highlighting the continental significance of the occasion.
As fireworks faded and the stadium roared, AFCON 2025 was formally launched — not just as a football tournament, but as a celebration of African identity, culture and unity.
With matches set to be staged across six Moroccan cities until January 18, the continent’s biggest sporting event could scarcely have asked for a more fitting opening.
