AFCON 2025 roared to life as Afrobeats icon Davido and global rap star French Montana delivered a thrilling, high-energy performance at the opening ceremony in Rabat.
Performing the official AFCON 2025 soundtrack at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the duo ignited the crowd and set an electric tone for the tournament.
The show was a vibrant celebration of African music, culture, and football, with pulsating beats, roaring fans, and a stadium alive with energy.
From the stands to screens worldwide, fans flooded social media with praise, hailing the performance as a powerful and unforgettable start to AFCON 2025.
AFCON 2025 Bursts To Life As Morocco Opens Africa’s Biggest Football Celebration
AFCON 2025 officially kicked off in breathtaking style on Sunday night, as a dazzling opening ceremony lit up Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat and welcomed Africa and the world to Morocco.
Hosting the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco sets the stage for a month-long football spectacle running from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, uniting 24 national teams from across the continent.
The ceremony preceded the opening match between Morocco and Comoros, instantly raising expectations for what organizers promise will be the most memorable AFCON yet.
A Powerful Tribute to Moroccan Heritage and African Pride
The opening show was a vibrant fusion of traditional Moroccan heritage and pan-African identity, featuring mass dance performances, live music, and stunning visual effects. Host cities flashed across giant screens as the stadium pulsed with color, rhythm, and energy.
Global and African stars including Davido, French Montana, Says’z, Jaylann, and L’Artiste — electrified the night, while immersive visuals and modern production underscored Morocco’s ambition to deliver a tournament of world-class standards.
Infantino & Motsepe Hail Morocco’s Moment at AFCON 2025
FIFA President Gianni Infantino greeted fans in Arabic — “Assalamu Alaikum” — before welcoming Africa to Morocco, praising the nation as “a country of football, passion, and peace.” He thanked King Mohammed VI and described AFCON 2025 as “the most beautiful Africa Cup of Nations in history.”
CAF President Patrice Motsepe echoed the praise, highlighting Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run as proof of Africa’s rising power on the global football stage.
Leaders In Attendance As The Journey Begins
The ceremony was presided over by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, with dignitaries including President Azali Assoumani of Comoros, as AFCON 2025 officially began.
Moments later, Morocco launched their campaign against Comoros before a packed stadium, marking the start of Africa’s grand football festival.
By
Mariam Wangu
