Overview:
Five hours to kick-off, fans access the Prince Moulay Abdellah gigantic stadium. They shout, sing, clap, chant, drum, carry the flags and blow whistles virtually from start to finish.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues to produce the anticipated thrills and sparks in Morocco.
As of Monday, 5th January 2026, four countries had qualified to the quarter final stage.
Senegal, Mali, hosts Morocco and Cameroon were all confirmed to the last eight level after winning their respective round of 16 engagements against Sudan, Tunisia, Tanzania and South Africa respectively.
Mali’s 3-2 post match penalties win over Tunisia after a 1-all draw in normal time at Casablanca stadium sold out and was thrilling.
In Tangier city, Senegal’s 3-1 win against Sudan was thrilling, Cameroon’s 2-1 narrow win over South Africa at El Barid stadium was breathe-taking and Morocco’s slim 1-0 triumph over Tanzania inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah fortress was electrifying.
One stand out moment component remains the sheer passion from the over 60,000 spectators inside the stadium stands.
Five hours to kick-off, fans access this gigantic stadium. They shout, sing, clap, chant, drum, carry the flags and blow whistles virtually from start to finish.
They also boo the opposition, not out of disrespect but to discourage the opponents.
I have learnt a lot from the crowd inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
With energy, this crowd has in a way dictated the tiding of matches. They rally for their players with wild chants every time they are in possession of the ball.
They whistle and boo the opponents in play and within no time, their team regains the ball possession.
The dances, torch lighting session and the famous Mexican wave are also eye-catching scenes.
This is the team character of fans that ought to be exported elsewhere across Africa.
There are four matches remaining at the round of 16 stage.
Egypt takes on Benin in Agadir and Nigeria will face Mozambique in Fes during Monday’s games.
The round of 16 will conclude on Tuesday, 6th January 2026 when Algeria tussles Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Rabat before Cote’ Ivoire will face Burkina Faso in Marrakech.
We await to witness the colouful stands and energy from the fans after kick-off to the match end coming to the quarterfinals.