FIFA President: Morocco to host the “most beautiful” AFCON ever
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Morocco will host “the most beautiful Africa Cup of Nations in history,” during the opening ceremony of the 35th African Cup of Nations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on 21st December, according to a report in The Arab Weekly plus agencies.
Infantino’s address was filled with praise for the host country and its leader, thanking King Mohammed VI for welcoming attendees into a “beautiful country, of football, passion and peace.”
The FIFA president’s comments came amid a backdrop of human rights groups accusing Moroccan authorities of gross mistreatment of anti-government protestors.
Morocco’s National Security Directorate has implemented thorough security infrastructures for the tournament, including widespread video surveillance to deter crime.
Demonstrations against the imprisonment of anti-government protestors were reported on the eve of the tournament.
The opening ceremony, which was chaired by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, also included an elaborate lightshow alongside celebrations of Moroccan and African football.
These incorporated the story of different cultures in Morocco, describing the country as the “land of football” and the wider continent as a proponent of “its diversity with strength and pride.”
Before declaring the tournament open, Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe said, “We in Africa are committed to making football a unifying force for people.”
The crown prince then authorised the game to begin, which ended with a 2-0 win for the host nation over Comoros, with second half goals from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi. The result extended Morocco’s world-record unbeaten run to 19 matches.
The current side is considered one of the strongest Moroccan sides of all time, having reached the semi-final of the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
They recently were crowned champions of the FIFA Arab Cup on 18th December, defeating Jordan 3-2 in the final.
The Arab Weekly plus agencies, Maghrebi.org
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