- …Zambia, Mali share spoils
MOROCCO: THE lights of Rabat came on slowly, one after another, drawing Africa’s attention to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Long before kick-off, the stands were full, voices rolling through the night as flags waved and drums echoed.
This was more than the opening of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco; it was Africa gathering, seen and heard in one place.
Watching from the stands were Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, Comoros President Azali Assoumani, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CAF president Patrice Motsepe, a reminder of the weight the occasion carried beyond the pitch. Yet even before the first whistle, AFCON had already announced itself.
The opening ceremony unfolded at the centre of the stadium, with a stage surrounded by thousands of fans. Music took over, not as a break from football but as part of its rhythm.
Davido, French Montana, L’Artiste and Jaylann stepped out one by one, each bringing a different sound and story.
Davido and French Montana shared the stage dressed in matching maroon, performing “Le Show,” a track that blends Afrobeats with global hip-hop and features Ayra Starr.
Their energy spread quickly through the crowd. L’Artiste, a FrenchMoroccan artist, reflected the cultural mix that defines the tournament, while Jaylann represented a new generation of Moroccan music, performing alongside Angélique Kidjo on the official AFCON 2025 song.
When rain began to fall, it did not slow the night. Performers continued through the downpour, water glistening under the lights as fans danced and sang along.
Many later said the rain only sharpened the moment, turning the ceremony into something raw and unforgettable. Fireworks, colour, light and sound filled the stadium. Then came a pause.
At the centre of the pitch, the AFCON trophy rose, surrounded by the flags of the 24 participating nations. The crowd stood, phones raised, as Africa’s prize took its place. Outside the stadium, the celebration continued.
Walls came alive with projected graphics inspired by Moroccan zellige patterns and traditional crafts. Giant screens showed everyday life, classrooms, landscapes and cities such as Fez, Casablanca and Marrakech.
For those inside the stadium and those watching from home, AFCON did not just begin it arrived, fully alive.
On the pitch, hosts Morocco faced Comoros, and the opening minutes carried the tension expected of a tournament curtain-raiser.
Morocco pressed early, pushing forward with purpose, but Comoros held their line and refused to be overrun. The first half ended without a goal, yet it was far from quiet.
The loudest moment came when Soufiane Rahimi stepped up for a penalty, only for Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor to stretch and deny him. The save lifted the Comoros bench and silenced the home crowd, if only briefly.
The second half changed the tone. Morocco returned with sharper intent, moving the ball quicker and stretching the defence. In the 54th minute, Brahim Díaz found the breakthrough, sending the stadium to its feet.
Not long after, Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the moment with an overhead kick that drew gasps before the roar followed.
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The 2–0 win belonged to Morocco, but the night felt larger than the result alone. Zambia, Mali share spoils The second day of the finals continued with a Group A encounter between Zambia and Mali that ended in a 1-1 draw at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
It was a closely contested match, with Mali enjoying the majority of possession while Zambia were often second to the ball.
Mali’s physical presence proved influential, as they made more attacking runs into Zambia’s final third, keeping the Zambian goalkeeper busy throughout the contest. Mali’s high pressing nearly paid dividends when Mathews Banda fouled Nene Dorgeles inside the penalty area.
Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a spot kick. El Bilal Touré stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort was superbly saved by Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza, who guessed correctly to deny Mali the opener.
The first half ended goalless but Mali pressing eventually broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Lassine Sinayoko fired past Willard Mwanza to give his side the lead.
Zambia came close to equalising ten minutes later, but Dominic Chanda’s overhead kick was denied by Malian goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.
In the dying moments of the match, Patson Daka rose to meet Banda’s cross from the right wing, steering a diving header into the net to level the score.