Tangier’s iconic Ibn Batouta Stadium, now rebranded as the Grand Stade de Tanger, has completed a remarkable transformation — highlighted by the installation of a state-of-the-art roof finished in a record 69 days, a feat that underscores Morocco’s growing reputation for precision engineering and world-class sporting infrastructure.

The final piece of the roof’s elastic membrane was fitted on Thursday evening, marking the completion of a massive renovation project that positions the stadium among Africa’s most advanced football arenas.

The new roof, which spans 55,000 square metres, is made of a high-performance material imported from Germany, specially designed to let in natural light while resisting corrosion and efficiently draining rainwater.

According to project officials, the construction was executed with “military precision,” reflecting Morocco’s determination to showcase its readiness to host major international tournaments — including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2030, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

A Stadium Reinvented for the Future

The roofing project is only one part of a sweeping modernization effort that has transformed the Grand Stade de Tanger into a world-class football-specific venue. Among the key upgrades are:

• *Expansion of seating capacity to approximately 75,000 spectators.
• *Removal of the athletics track to create a football-exclusive arena.
• *Installation of a hybrid grass pitch that meets FIFA’s latest standards.
• *Enhanced access and amenities for fans, media, and VIP guests.

Officials say the overhaul is not merely cosmetic but structural — aimed at enhancing the fan experience, optimizing broadcast conditions, and aligning with global stadium standards ahead of Morocco’s hosting responsibilities.

Ready for Football’s Grand Return

With construction work now complete, the Grand Stade de Tanger is set to reopen its doors for two international friendlies that will serve as its first major test runs. The Morocco national team will face Mozambique on November 14 and Uganda on November 18, both kicking off at 20:00 local time (GMT+1).

These matches will be the first opportunity for fans to experience the stadium’s transformed atmosphere — from its cutting-edge roof design to the improved seating and acoustics that promise to amplify the roar of the crowd.

Moroccan sports authorities have hailed the project as a landmark achievement in the country’s broader sporting vision.

The rapid completion and world-class design, they say, are emblematic of Morocco’s readiness not only for AFCON 2025 but also for the historic 2030 World Cup, where the Grand Stade de Tanger is expected to be one of the flagship venues.

With its sleek new look, expanded capacity, and record-breaking construction timeline, the Tangier Grand Stadium now stands as a symbol of Morocco’s sporting ambition — a bold statement that the kingdom is ready to host the continent’s and the world’s biggest football events.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Morocco face anxious wait as star defender ruled out for up to eight weeks

Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations hopes have suffered a major setback with news that star defender Achraf Hakimi could miss the start of the AFCON 2025 tournament on home soil after suffering a severe ankle sprain during Paris Saint-Germain’s midweek Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.

According to reports from L’Équipe, AS, and Marca, the 26-year-old right-back is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, throwing his participation in next month’s continental showpiece into serious doubt.

Hakimi sustained the injury following a reckless two-footed tackle from Bayern’s Luis Díaz shortly before halftime. The Colombian was shown a straight red card after the PSG star collapsed in agony, his left leg caught awkwardly under the challenge.

While initial medical scans confirmed there was no fracture, the sprain was described as “severe.” L’Équipe reports that the player will not require surgery but faces a lengthy rehabilitation period.

Spanish daily AS suggested Hakimi could still feature if Morocco advance beyond the group stage, potentially returning for the Round of 16, while Marca was less optimistic, claiming the defender is “almost certain” to miss the entire tournament.

Hakimi’s absence would be a huge blow to the Atlas Lions, who are among the favourites to lift the trophy when the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 kicks off on December 21.

The PSG fullback is not only a defensive anchor but also a vital attacking outlet for coach Walid Regragui’s side, whose campaign begins amid soaring national expectations.

With less than two months to go before the opening match, Morocco now face an anxious wait to see whether their talismanic right-back can recover in time to play any role in their quest for continental glory.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

As the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco gathers pace, Tunisia’s head coach Samy Trabelsi has set his sights on nothing less than a semi-final finish — a target that could put him on a collision course with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, one of their group opponents.

The Carthage Eagles have arrived at the tournament with a fearsome record: 22 goals scored and none conceded during their World Cup qualifying campaign.

That run has made Tunisia one of the continent’s form teams — and, on paper, one of the toughest nuts for Nigeria to crack in Group C, which also features Uganda and Tanzania.

Trabelsi, who previously led Tunisia at the 2013 AFCON and was a losing finalist as a player in 1996, says his team is no longer content with just participating.

“We’re not here to send messages to anyone,” he told CAFOnline.com. “We respect all our opponents, including Nigeria, but our goal is to compete seriously and aim for a top-four finish — and, if possible, more.”

The 56-year-old coach, who once guided Tunisia to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in 2011, has built his side around defensive organisation and swift, structured counterattacks. His approach has earned Tunisia the nickname “the Italians of Africa”, a reputation they intend to reinforce in Morocco.

Nigeria, on the other hand, are expected to test that famed Tunisian discipline with their wealth of attacking options, from Victor Osimhen to Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze. For Trabelsi, however, the Super Eagles’ pedigree only adds to the motivation.

“Nigeria remains a continental powerhouse, with a vast pool of talent in top European clubs,” he said. “But AFCON is unpredictable. You can never take anything for granted.”

The Tunisian tactician is counting on experience and cohesion to make the difference. Veterans like Youssef Msakni, Ellyes Skhiri, and goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said are expected to anchor a squad blending youth and experience.

“To win trophies, you need something extra,” Trabelsi admitted. “Tunisia has been consistent — qualifying for almost every AFCON and several World Cups — but consistency must now translate into success.”

For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who are seeking to reclaim the continental crown last won in 2013, Tunisia’s resurgence is both a warning and a challenge.

The two nations have developed a fierce rivalry over the years, with Tunisia famously knocking Nigeria out of the 2004 AFCON on penalties in Rades, before Nigeria exacted revenge in later editions.

This time, both teams meet again in Morocco — in a group that could easily produce surprises. Yet, for Trabelsi, the message remains clear: Tunisia are in Morocco not just to compete, but to win.

“I’d love to see the headline, ‘Congratulations to Tunisia — a strong campaign rewarded,’” he said confidently.

Whether that headline comes to pass may depend on how his “Italians of Africa” handle the pace, flair, and firepower of Nigeria’s Super Eagles — a team equally determined to soar back to the top of African football.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H