I long hesitated to weigh in on the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco. However, following the surge of reactions to the final match—specifically the disparaging remarks regarding organization and infrastructure—I realized that silence is no longer an option.
One cannot remain quiet amidst a toxic clamor that reveals deep-seated resentment and unjustified hostility.
For weeks, international media and global experts have hailed this latest edition as the most sophisticated in the history of African football.
Specialists have characterized it as the first tournament to elevate the “AFCON” brand to World Cup standards in terms of security, logistics, stadium quality, and meticulous attention to detail. This represents a landmark achievement for Morocco’s leadership, institutions, and people—one that sets an incredibly high benchmark and presents a daunting challenge for future hosts.
To praise Morocco is not mere flattery; those familiar with the Kingdom recognize a nation driven by clear strategic visions, which have propelled it to a position of prestige over the last two decades. As visitors, we have long admired the hospitality of its people, the cleanliness of its urban spaces, and its robust infrastructure and transport networks. These are realities visible to any objective observer who takes pride in the success of their peers, rather than allowing envy to cloud their judgment.
Indeed, “envy” lies at the heart of these cynical critiques. For some, failure is not merely a stroke of ill fortune; it is a distorted lens through which every neighbor’s success is perceived as a personal affront. Consequently, the unsuccessful attempt to extinguish every light around them, fearing that the glow will only highlight their own stagnation.
The disparity between a proactive mindset and a culture of inertia was best exemplified by the recent search for a host for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. For months, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) sought a host for this “festival of football,” only to be met with silence. While other nations hesitated, Morocco stepped forward to fill the void.
This is the ultimate irony: while some were content to remain spectators—or worse, awaited a misstep—Morocco was busy delivering tangible results. This is more than a sporting host story; it is a lesson that true leaders do not wait for ideal conditions to excel; they build where others fear to venture.
This sentiment was echoed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who noted that Morocco serves as “Plan A, B, and C” for the continent when alternatives are lacking. He emphasized that the Kingdom places its resources at Africa’s disposal when others retreat due to costs or organizational deficits.
It is this spirit that saw Morocco volunteer to host the Women’s Championship despite the narrow turnaround time following the most recent tournament.
To the detractors, one must ask: on what grounds do you criticize? With what audacity do you condemn while you remain paralyzed by hesitation? Let us witness your actual capabilities rather than your rhetoric. Organize a superior event, and we shall be the first to applaud.
It is a farce to witness those who have embraced a sedentary existence—watching these epics from the comfort of their sofas, surrounded by refreshments—appointing themselves as arbiters of the sweat and sacrifice of athletes on the field.
They seek a world where everyone shares their “sofa” of stagnation, where national ambition is as saggy as their own resolve. To the adventurer, every success is a triumph; to the idle, it is a stinging reminder of their own inadequacy.
While I can understand the Senegalese people’s joy in their team securing the Cup, I distinguish this from earning the Champion title. True Championship carries specific standards, ethics, and a level of sportsmanship that were starkly absent in the final match.
Beyond this, what remains inexplicable is the celebration seen in certain Arab media circles. To witness audiences cheering for a team that eliminated their own national squads—simply out of spite for Morocco—is a staggering display of intellectual bankruptcy. It is a classic case of ‘crab mentality’: a refusal to climb higher, choosing instead to pull down those who have successfully reached the top.
The path forward is clear: focus on nation-building, invest in human capital, and learn from the Moroccan model. Morocco has proven that the “impossible” is not part of its vocabulary, standing as an island of tangible achievement within the continent.
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