AFCON
A Night at Cristiano Ronaldo’s Hotel in Marrakech
By Kunle Solaja, Marrakech
On the eve of a potentially epic quarter-final confrontation between Algeria and Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, Marrakech opened its doors to the world’s football media with effortless grace. I arrived in Morocco alongside fellow journalists from across continents, guests of the Moroccan National Association of Media and Publishers, whose hospitality framed the journey as much as the destination.
Our passage from Casablanca to Marrakech unfolded in daylight, aboard a convoy of luxurious Mercedes-Benz VIP minibuses.
The sun revealed Morocco in motion — long ribbons of highway, ochre plains stretching into the distance, and towns gently easing into one another. It was a journey that allowed you to see the country breathe, unhurried and confident, as conversations flowed easily among journalists already trading predictions, story angles and football folklore.
By the time we rolled onto M Avenue, Marrakech was fully awake and radiant. Cafés hummed with late-afternoon chatter, terraces glowed under the sun, and the clean lines of modern storefronts reflected a city that has mastered the art of blending tradition with contemporary flair. Rising confidently along the boulevard was our destination for the night: Pestana CR7 Marrakech, the sleek lifestyle hotel co-owned by global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
Even in daylight, the hotel made a statement. Contemporary without being intimidating, stylish without excess, it carried a quiet assurance — the same kind of self-belief associated with the footballer whose name crowns its identity.
Inside, the lobby revealed a carefully calibrated welcome. Cool minimalism met Moroccan warmth in a space that felt instantly calming. There were no overbearing football motifs, no ostentatious shrine to trophies. Instead, the CR7 presence was refined and restrained — clean lines, muted tones, and an atmosphere of precision that suggested excellence as a standard, not a spectacle.
An image of Cristiano Ronaldo at the lobby, gesturing as if welcoming the guests.
Check-in was disarmingly smooth. The formalities had been concluded even before our arrival. A simple mention of one’s surname was enough for the room key to be produced — an elegant touch that immediately made a weary traveller feel expected rather than processed.
Along the ground floor walls, framed images of Ronaldo offered subtle visual punctuation. Moving toward the corridor that led to the elevators, three of his jerseys came into view, neatly framed, followed by a pair of iconic boots encased in glass.
My room continued the theme. The television set presented a welcome message for me. The room is modern without being cold, plush without being showy.
The bed invited surrender, the lighting was mood-perfect, and the city hummed faintly beyond the window, an indication that Marrakech never truly sleeps.
This is not my first visit to the Red City. Yet each return reinforces the same feeling — an irresistible pull that grows stronger with familiarity. Marrakech does not merely welcome you; it persuades you to come back. And at Pestana CR7 Marrakech, arriving in daylight, with football history waiting to be written the next evening, that persuasion felt complete.
At the top floor of the Pestana CR7 Marrakech, the rooftop, one can get a panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and the dynamic M Avenue.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.
JOIN THE SPORTS VILLAGE SQUARE CHANNEL ON:
https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Morocco’s Saibari Joins World Cup Fast-Goal Elite with Scotland Winner
Koeman Gets Revenge as Netherlands Thrash Sweden 5-1 at World Cup
BET9ja FACT FILE
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup2 days ago
‘Most Oppressed Team’: Iran Set for FIFA Showdown Over Travel Rules
- World Cup5 days ago
Back in Canada After 39 Years: A Return to Where the Journey Began
- World Cup1 week ago
Atlas Lions Roar Again: Morocco Hold Five-Time Champions, Brazil In Another World Cup Statement
- World Cup6 days ago
Doku Faces World Cup-or-Fatherhood Dilemma as Belgium Star Awaits First Child
- World Cup6 days ago
Tunisia Become Second African Casualty as Sweden Hit Five in World Cup Rout
- World Cup6 days ago
Salah Eyes Birthday Gift as Egypt Seek Historic World Cup Breakthrough Against Belgium
- World Cup1 week ago
Ghana Protests Canada’s Visa Denial to Thomas Partey Ahead of World Cup Clash
- World Cup7 days ago
Advocaat Set to Make World Cup History as Curaçao Face Germany