Morocco is gearing up to host the Africa Cup of Nations, with the Atlas Lions facing immense pressure to deliver their first continental title since 1976. The team, ranked 11th in the world and top in Africa, is riding a world-record 18-game winning streak and has invested heavily in state-of-the-art stadiums and infrastructure, including the 69,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where the tournament kicks off.
Coach Walid Regragui has emphasized that nothing short of winning the trophy will be acceptable, acknowledging the weight of expectation on his team. Star defender Achraf Hakimi, who recently recovered from an ankle injury, is poised to lead the charge, despite uncertainty over his participation in Sunday’s opener against Comoros.
Morocco faces stiff competition from heavyweights like Senegal, defending champions Ivory Coast, Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen-led squad. The tournament runs until January 18, with the final scheduled for that date.
