Karim El Ahmadi: “Moroccans have only one target: to win this AFCON.”
Morocco’s countdown has begun. In 100 days, on 21 December, the Atlas Lions will raise the curtain on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, against Comoros at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Excitement is building nationwide as the hosts prepare to welcome Africa’s showpiece for the first time since 1988, with world‑class venues and a fervent home crowd expected to provide a striking backdrop.
To gauge what this moment means, former Morocco midfielder Karim El Ahmadi has lent his voice, reflecting on his own tournament memories and on the expectations surrounding Walid Regragui’s side in an exclusive interview with CAFOnline.com.
He believes this squad’s blend of rising talent and seasoned leaders can reinforce Morocco’s status as a standard‑bearer of African football.
And, as he puts it, there is only one objective: lift the trophy on home soil.
CAFOnline.com: First, how do you feel and how is Morocco experiencing this moment, 100 days out from AFCON?
Karim El Ahmadi: I think the clearest glimpse of what AFCON will be like came in the home match against Niger, with the new stadium and atmosphere. That is exactly what we will see in December: new venues, huge numbers of supporters, full stands. Morocco is ready—there are strong infrastructures and good hotels. Everyone is looking forward to AFCON in December, in their own country. It is a major event and there is real excitement.
You played two AFCONs, in 2017 and 2019. What memories do you keep from the competition?
AFCON 2019 in Egypt is a good memory. We finished top of our group with Côte d’Ivoire— a tough section— and won all our matches. Then we faced Benin. Everyone thought it would be easy, but that is AFCON: even the so‑called smaller nations can beat the big ones. We lost on penalties, but our group stage was excellent. It was a great experience. Within the squad we expected more, because we were coming off the World Cup in Russia, Morocco’s first qualification for a long time. Expectations were high—ours too. To be honest, it was the best Morocco team I played in, in terms of experience and quality. We were ready to achieve something. It was a shame to go out to Benin, but overall it remains a positive memory.
What makes AFCON so special in your view?
What makes AFCON unique is that players are not playing for a club, a wage or money. They play to make their people and families happy and to bring a trophy back to their country. That is the difference. For me, AFCON is special because you play for your nation and your people. And at AFCON there are no small teams—everyone fights to win. Look at Zambia, who won it in 2012. Even the outsiders are dangerous.
In 100 days Morocco will face Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The stands will be full and the backing huge. How do you manage that pressure?
Yes, there will be pressure. But for me the supporters give extra motivation; they push players to go beyond 100 per cent. Moroccan players have enough experience to handle that pressure— it will even be a strength. We saw it in Qatar: it felt as if we were playing in Morocco because of the number of fans. In December it will be the same, with better pitches and infrastructure. Other teams will benefit too. I remember tournaments where the pitches and facilities were not good. It was difficult. This time the conditions will be ideal, and that will help big teams like Senegal or Côte d’Ivoire as well. But for Morocco, the crowd will be an extra motivation.
What are the main strengths of this Moroccan side?
The biggest strength is the collective. We saw at the last World Cup that it was not only about individuals but a real team. Today there is a huge amount of talent and many good players. In every position there are three or four options. The strength comes from difference‑makers: Hakimi on the right, Mazraoui on the left, En‑Nesyri up front, Amrabat in midfield for defensive balance. And, above all, we have a top goalkeeper in Yassine Bounou, which is essential to win AFCON. The hardest part will be for Regragui: choosing his starting XI.
You still speak with players in the squad. What do they tell you about this AFCON?
They all say the same thing: there is no room for second or third place. There is only one target—to win AFCON and keep the trophy in Morocco. That is every player’s biggest motivation.
Finally, Karim, what do you wish for Morocco at this AFCON, on and off the pitch?
On the pitch, I hope we play very well and win AFCON. Off it, I hope all visitors enjoy Morocco. There is so much to discover for tourists. I hope people appreciate the country and want to come back every year. Above all, that visitors from every nation feel welcome and have a great time in Morocco.