In football, the present doesn’t last long. CAN 2023 finished, eyes are already turning towards Rabat. A new chapter and challenges to face for Morocco…
Challenge 1: fill the stadiums
Ultras Wydad Casablanca
In terms of organization and infrastructure, Morocco is a reference in Africa. A VIP room which is now just waiting for its guests to serve us. Its professional league has existed for ages (1915), ticket problems should disappear.
That said, where the Moroccans will be expected is in the stands. The first CAN at 24 in the Maghreb is today the worst of the three organized so far, because of this undeniable observation.
Egypt v South Africa Highlights – Total AFCON 2019 – R3 – CAF TV
In 2022 and 2024, Cameroon and Ivory Coast did much better than Egypt in 2019. The Pyramids, the stadiums, the hotels, everything was beautiful but the atmosphere was gloomy. Particularly after the elimination of Pharaohs in the round of 16 by South Africa (0-1). Never again !
The CAN is not a domestic tournament. It is a major international competition which brings together football fans from all walks of life. The enthusiasm that we saw during the Club World Cups of 2013 and 2014, we want to see it again.
Challenge 2: restore your image
CAN 2015: the Web reacts to the suspension of Morocco – On the Net – France 24
The last time Morocco hosted the CAN was in 2015. They ultimately withdrew in favor of Equatorial Guinea. Fearing the Ebola Virus, Lions of the Atlas had then decided to postpone this edition to host the 11th Club World Cup, between December 10 and 20, 2014. A small bridge which will earn it an exclusion signed by CAF. Which is still in the minds of Sub-Saharan Africa.
South of the Sahara, the North is not always synonymous with development. There is this condescension which hurts, or even worse, its nationals. They have not forgotten what their brothers experienced in Tunisia. They’re not all like that, but no one would like to run into the wrong people.
Tunisia: sub-Saharan students demand measures against racism – Africanews
It is therefore up to Moroccans to put all their visitors on an equal footing. Bling bling is great, but soccer is above all a popular sport. Vinicius or not, the welcome must be warm for everyone, Algerians or not.
Challenge 3: final victory
HIGHLIGHTS | Morocco 🆚 DR Congo | Summary of the match between Morocco and the Democratic Republic of the Congo #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 – CAF TV
It could have been the flag of Mozambique, which snatched a draw against Ghana, but Gradel chose to thank Morocco, winner for them of Zambia. The ideal handover…
If Walid Regragui had aligned his B team against the Zambians, the Elephants would probably have taken the door home. Sole scorer on the third day against the BulletsHakim Ziyech would then have rested and would have transformed the penalty missed by Hakimi.
Morocco African Champion 1976
Otherwise, the first African semi-finalists in the history of the World Cup disappointed. Favorites released in eighth grade, they quickly understood that the CAN is not a game of pleasure. If they are not careful, the disappointment of 1988 could repeat itself. Co-organizers of the 2030 World Cup, it is time for them to return to the field. All climatic conditions will be met. There will be no more excuses.