AFCON
Mohammed V National Theatre turns AFCON theatre of dreams
The iconic Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, has been transformed into a dazzling hub of African football as it prepares to host the Final Draw for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 on Monday.
The much-anticipated event, scheduled for Monday, 27 January, at 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT), will unveil the group stage opponents for the 24 participating nations.
Branding for the competition now adorns the theatre’s elegant exterior, blending modernity with Moroccan heritage.
Posters, logos, and the vibrant colours of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 have draped the building, ensuring it fully embodies the spirit of the continent’s most prestigious football tournament.
A Symbol of Elegance and Culture
Inaugurated in 1961 by King Hassan II, the Mohammed V National Theatre stands as a jewel of Moroccan architecture and culture.
Located in the heart of Rabat, the venue has been meticulously prepared for the draw, reflecting the rich history and cultural pride of its surroundings.
The theatre will also host musical segments led by Moroccan producer RedOne, adding a cultural flair to the night’s proceedings.
Anticipation Grips Rabat
The city of Rabat has embraced the TotalEnergies AFCON fever, with an electrifying atmosphere spreading across its streets.
Residents and visitors alike are eagerly anticipating the draw, which will be attended by national team coaches, African football legends, and dignitaries.
Rabat, a coastal gem with a population of 1.8 million, is no stranger to hosting global events, further cementing its status as a key hub for African football.
A Star-Studded Event
The Final Draw will feature a gathering of football royalty. Coaches such as Côte d’Ivoire’s Emerse Faé, Senegal’s Pape Bouna Thiaw, and Algeria’s Vladimir Petković are among the over 20 national team coaches expected.
Adding to the glamour, African legends including Rigobert Song, Essam El Hadary, and Mustapha Hadji will lend their gravitas to the occasion.
What to Expect
The draw will divide the 24 teams into six groups of four, with the top two teams and the four best third-placed sides advancing to the knockout rounds.
Fans worldwide can follow the ceremony live via CAF’s social media platforms and partner broadcasters, as Rabat takes centre stage for this pivotal moment in African football history.
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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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