AFCON
RedOne, Hatim Ammor, Gims: A Dream Cast for the Morocco 2025 Final Draw
The draw for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 promises to be an unforgettable sporting and musical event on a fitting stage at the magnificent Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat on Monday, 27 January.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the 24 qualified teams learning their pool stage opponents for the 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026 tournament, the draw will also feature several world-class acts to continue the great tradition of African football and music intertwined.
The star-studded event gets underway at 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT | 20h00 Cairo).
Three internationally renowned artists will be in the spotlight to set the evening on fire: Hatim Ammor, Gims and RedOne.
HATIM AMMOR: THE MOROCCAN STAR
Originally from Casablanca, Hatim Ammor is one of the most popular singers in Morocco. With a style that blends traditional Moroccan music with modern sounds, Ammor has won the hearts of millions of fans across the Arab world.
His career has been marked by hits such as “Hasdouna” and “Mchiti Fiha”, which have racked up millions of views on streaming platforms.
Ammor is expected to offer a vibrant performance that will celebrate the cultural richness of Morocco. His stage charisma and powerful voice will make the performance a highlight of the evening.
As an ambassador of Moroccan music, he will perfectly embody the spirit of the AFCON, which brings together diverse nations and cultures on the same pitch.
GIMS: AN INTERNATIONAL ICON
An artist of Congolese origin, Gims is an emblematic figure of French-speaking and international music. Based in France and Morocco, he has established himself as one of the most listened to artists of his generation, thanks to albums such as “Subliminal” and “Ceinture Noire”.
Gims has been able to transcend borders and musical genres. He also performed “Arhbo”, one of the official anthems of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, reinforcing his status as a globally recognised artist.
His participation in the draw for the 2025 AFCON is particularly symbolic, as it highlights the importance of the African diaspora in promoting the culture and unity of the continent.
Gims is set to perform some of his most iconic tracks, offering a unique blend of urban rhythms and African influences.
His presence will bring an international dimension to the event, reaffirming the global influence of the AFCON.
REDONE: THE MAESTRO OF THE EVENING
The third artist is none other than RedOne, a world-renowned Moroccan producer and composer.
RedOne, whose real name is Nadir Khayat, has collaborated with the biggest stars on the planet, including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Nicki Minaj.
His productions, which include hits like “Poker Face” and “On the Floor”, have earned him multiple accolades, including three Grammy Awards.
As the event’s musical director, RedOne will play a pivotal role in the design of the artistic performances. His ability to merge traditional and modern elements promises a unique musical experience.
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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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