As a departure from Cameroon 2021 and Cote d’Ivoire 2023, Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will hold in Summer and not in January/February.

The Moroccan Royal Federation of Football (FRMF)  announced that the tournament they are hosting  is set to take place during the summer.

The  new period serves all purposes as it will also enable CAF to have enough time for the qualifying series which will have been very difficult if it were to hold in January 2025.  Already, this year is loaded with the qualifying series for the 2026 World Cup holding in the available international window this year.

The Moroccan Royal Federation of Football  announced on Monday the new period for the final tournament following a series of evaluation meetings between  FMRF President Fouzi Lekjaa and the national team’s head coach Walid Regragui to discuss the Atlas Lions’ performance at the 2023 AFCON held in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Moroccan national team, who entered the ongoing tournament as one of the favorites to win the AFCON title, was unfortunately eliminated after losing to South Africa 2-0 in the Round of 16.

The early elimination sparked disappointment among Moroccan fans, with many raising questions about the future of Regragui with the team and the Atlas Lions’ readiness for upcoming tournaments

However, the federation said it has “renewed its trust” in Regragui and pledged to provide all necessary resources to ensure the national team’s success.

Looking ahead to AFCON 2025, FRMF called for increased support from fans, especially those who attended the matches in Côte d’Ivoire, as the team strives for redemption in the upcoming tournament.

During the evaluation sessions, Regragui reviewed the team’s preparations for the continental tournament, emphasizing the need to learn from past experiences, especially their last match against South Africa.

In addition, Lekjaa stressed the importance of continued dedication to secure a deserving place for the team in upcoming competitions, including the remaining qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking in a press conference following the loss against South Africa, Regragui took full accountability for the team’s elimination.

“I take full responsibility, and I don’t hide behind any excuses,” the coach said while stressing that there was no reason to blame the players for their performance.

He went on to emphasize the need for collective decision-making after evaluating the team’s performance and considering potential changes.

“Yes we failed, but we will all sit together … we have time right now … and we will make the best decision for Morocco,” he said.