Morocco’s AFCON 2025 opening ceremony drew widespread praise from African as well as international media for its scale, organisation, and celebration of African culture.
Voices from the continent:
Uganda’s Daily Express described the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony as dazzling, praising its celebration of African culture, music, and football.
The blend of tradition, modern artistry, and symbolism underlined the tournament’s importance, the report noted, adding that high-energy performances by French Montana, Davido, L’Artiste, and Jaylann highlighted “its growing international appeal.”
Nigeria’s Voice of Nigeria described the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony in Rabat as spectacular, highlighting its blend of music and symbolism that set the tone for a celebration of African football in Morocco.
The ceremony, played out before a sold-out stadium and watched by millions worldwide, the same source added, “is a vivid reminder that AFCON is as much a cultural showcase as a sporting contest, with carefully choreographed performances and visual projections reflecting the continent’s diversity and football heritage.”
Tanzania’s The Citizen praised Morocco’s AFCON 2025 opening ceremony “as a breathtaking celebration of African identity and Moroccan heritage.”
The report highlighted vibrant musical performances, including a cultural tribute by legendary band Nass El Ghiwane with their iconic song Allah Ya Moulana, alongside international stars French Montana, Davido, L’Artiste, and Jaylann.
It also mentioned “stunning visual projections showcasing Morocco’s famed zellige patterns, a symbolic football-shaped map of Africa, and the presence of high-profile dignitaries, including CAF President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino,” underlining the tournament’s themes of unity, culture, and spectacle.
Ghana News Agency (GNA) praised the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony in Morocco for its dazzling light displays, cultural spectacles, and star performances.
The report highlighted the vibrant mix of Moroccan heritage and Pan-Africanism, mass dance performances, and high-energy shows by international stars, with Prince Moulay Hassan kicking off the tournament to cheers from the packed stadium.
Global coverage:
Spain’s El Faro de Ceuta described the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony as spectacular, praising its mix of music, dance, and visual projections.
The show celebrated Morocco’s history, cultural diversity, and national pride while projecting African unity, “conveying the spirit of Moroccan hospitality to the continent and the world,” according to the same source.
It also noted that the organisation of the ceremony “was widely praised, reflecting Morocco’s readiness to host a top-level international event.”
German sports site Footboom called the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony “a true masterpiece, a vibrant celebration of Moroccan and African tradition that captivated everyone involved.”
The report highlighted performances by artists from across Africa, blending folk melodies with modern beats, while thousands of fans, officials, and celebrities filled the stadium.
Footboom added that the atmosphere was electric, saying that “it felt like the beginning of something extraordinary.”
CAF described the 35th edition of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations opening ceremony in Rabat as spectacular, blending music, movement, and symbolism to set the tone for a month-long celebration of African football in Morocco.
U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Duke Buchan also congratulated the kingdom on the spectacular opening ceremony, saying, “Your passion and creativity lit up the continent.”
He added that the U.S. looks forward to collaborating with Morocco to learn from each other and build a strong partnership through sport, as it prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup and welcome soccer fans from around the world to showcase America’s beauty and greatness.
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