AFCON
Tangier Grand Stadium Unveils Record-Breaking Roof Ahead of First Matches
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.
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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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