AFCON
A look back: When Morocco hosted the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations
As Morocco gears up to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Final Draw scheduled to be held on Monday, 27 January in Rabat, it’s worth revisiting the last time this North African nation welcomed Africa’s premier football tournament.
The 1988 edition marked a pivotal moment in AFCON history, showcasing Morocco’s burgeoning football culture and its ability to host a continental event of such magnitude.
In the late 1980s, Morocco emerged as a strong candidate to host the AFCON. With a football-mad population, growing infrastructure, and a strategic location in North Africa, Morocco was a natural choice.
CAF awarded Morocco hosting rights in recognition of its commitment to the sport and its ability to organize an event that would captivate fans across the continent.
A Compact Tournament: Dates, Teams, and Venues
The 1988 AFCON ran from March 13 to 27, offering an intense two-week showcase of African football talent.
Unlike today’s expanded 24-team format, the tournament featured just eight teams, split into two groups of four.
Matches were played in two host cities: Casablanca, at the iconic Mohammed V Stadium, and Rabat, at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
This compact format ensured that every match carried significant stakes, keeping fans on edge throughout.
Cameroon’s Triumph and the Tournament’s Drama
Cameroon emerged victorious, claiming their second AFCON title after defeating Nigeria 1-0 in a hard-fought final at the Mohammed V Stadium.
Emmanuel Kunde’s penalty secured the victory, capping a brilliant campaign for the Indomitable Lions.
Nigeria, led by the likes of Rashidi Yekini, finished as runners-up, while Algeria clinched third place by defeating hosts Morocco 4-1 in the playoff.
The home team, despite their passionate support, fell short of expectations, finishing fourth.
However, their participation added a layer of excitement and pride for Moroccan fans, who turned up in droves to cheer on their national side.
Stars of the Tournament
The 1988 AFCON was a showcase of individual brilliance. Cameroon’s Roger Milla was named the tournament’s best player, continuing his legacy as one of Africa’s greatest football icons.
Alongside him, Joseph-Antoine Bell, also from Cameroon, was recognized as the best goalkeeper for his stellar performances throughout the competition.
The golden boot was shared by four players: Algeria’s Lakhdar Belloumi, Cameroon’s Roger Milla, Egypt’s Gamal Abdelhamid, and Cote d’Ivoire’s Abdoulaye Traoré, each scoring two goals.
Their contributions highlighted the balance and competitiveness of the tournament.
A Legacy That Endures
The 1988 AFCON reinforced Morocco’s reputation as a capable and passionate host nation.
It also set the stage for the country’s future endeavors, including hosting major events such as the FIFA Club World Cup and preparing for the joint hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Portugal and Spain.
With world-class stadiums like the Mohammed V and Moulay Abdellah still standing tall, Morocco is ready to reclaim its place in the spotlight.
The upcoming 2025 AFCON is an opportunity to build on this legacy and deliver another unforgettable tournament.
Key Highlights of the 1988 AFCON:
Host Nation: Morocco
Tournament Dates: 13–27 March 1988
Host Cities: Casablanca and Rabat
Number of Teams: 8
Teams That Participated:
Morocco
Cameroon
Nigeria
Algeria
Egypt
Ivory Coast
Zaire (now DR Congo)
Kenya
Winner: Cameroon (2nd title)
Runner-Up: Nigeria
Third Place: Algeria
Fourth Place: Morocco
Top Scorers: Lakhdar Belloumi (Algeria), Roger Milla (Cameroon), Gamal Abdelhamid (Egypt), Abdoulaye Traoré (Ivory Coast) — 2 goals each
Best Player: Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Best Goalkeeper: Joseph-Antoine Bell (Cameroon)
CAF Team of the Tournament (Best XI):
Goalkeeper: Joseph-Antoine Bell (Cameroon)
Defenders: Ibrahim Youssef (Egypt), Emmanuel Kunde (Cameroon), Stephen Keshi (Nigeria), Abdelmajid Lamriss (Morocco)
Midfielders: Lakhdar Belloumi (Algeria), Gamal Abdelhamid (Egypt), Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Forwards: Abdoulaye Traoré (Ivory Coast), François Oman-Biyik (Cameroon), Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria)
Total Matches Played: 16
Goals Scored: 23 (1.44 per match)
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Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
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By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
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