The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations officially kicked off on Sunday night in Rabat with an opening ceremony designed to project African culture, identity and ambition to a global audience.
Staged at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium moments before hosts Morocco faced Comoros, the ceremony blended music, choreography and symbolism, setting the tone for a month of football across six Moroccan cities.
The show opened with a musical sequence mixing African rhythms and traditional Moroccan sounds as performers filled the pitch with coordinated movement, colour and light.
A central figure carrying a football-shaped map represented continental unity, while Amazigh-inspired music anchored the event in Morocco’s history and identity.
Visual projections drew from Moroccan zellige patterns and artisanal crafts, while giant screens showcased everyday life, education, landscapes and cities such as Fez, Casablanca and Marrakech.
One of the most emotional moments came with a rendition of Allah Ya Moulana, made famous by Nass El Ghiwane, which resonated deeply inside the stadium.
Global music stars French Montana, Davido and RedOne headlined the ceremony’s flagship performance titled “Le Show”.
French Montana, born in Morocco, reflected diaspora identity, while Davido brought Afrobeats energy linked to celebration and continental confidence.
Moroccan-born Swedish producer RedOne’s involvement highlighted Africa’s creative influence behind the scenes of global pop music.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe officially opened the tournament with “Assalamu Alaikum,” in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan.
Motsepe thanked King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government and the local organising team for delivering the tournament.
The presence of Comoros President Azali Assoumani underlined the continental significance of the event.
As fireworks lit up the Rabat sky, AFCON 2025 was launched as both a football competition and a cultural showcase.
The ceremony marked the start of a month-long tournament running until 18 January, featuring 24 national teams competing across six host cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, Fez and Agadir.
