Atlas Lions Set Sights on AFCON 2025: Morocco to Face Central African Republic in Crucial Qualifiers
The Moroccan national football team, fresh off their historic run at the 2022 World Cup, are gearing up for another major challenge: qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. The Atlas Lions are set to face the Central African Republic in a two-legged showdown on October 12th and 15th at the Stade d’Honneur in Oujda, Morocco.
These matches, part of the third and fourth rounds of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, carry significant weight for both teams. For Morocco, it’s a chance to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the morocco-olympics-spain-semifinal-loss/” title=”Spain Defeats Morocco, Securing Spot in Olympic Finals (VIDEO)”>tournament, which they will host from January 21st to February 18th, 2026. The Central African Republic, on the other hand, will be looking to pull off an upset and take a giant leap towards their AFCON aspirations.
Morocco, currently ranked 14th in the FIFA World Rankings, are considered favorites in this matchup. Their recent World Cup performance, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals, has solidified their status as a continental powerhouse. The team boasts a talented squad with players like Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, and Sofyan Amrabat, who have proven themselves on the world stage.
However, the Central African Republic, ranked 132nd by FIFA, cannot be underestimated. They will be eager to prove their mettle against the North African giants. The team will be relying on the experience of players like Geoffrey Kondogbia and the goal-scoring prowess of Louis Mafouta to spring a surprise.
The matches in Oujda promise to be a captivating spectacle of African football. The passionate Moroccan fans, known for creating an electric atmosphere, will be out in full force to support their team. The Atlas Lions, fueled by their home advantage and the desire to lift the AFCON trophy on home soil, will be determined to secure two crucial victories.
The AFCON 2025 tournament holds immense prestige, with 24 nations vying for the coveted title. Morocco, having last won the tournament in 1976, will be looking to end their long wait and add another glorious chapter to their footballing history.
