Morocco continues to cement its status as a premier football hub in Africa as it prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a return steeped in symbolism, 38 years after Morocco stepped in to rescue the Confederation of African Football (CAF) during the 1988 edition following Algeria's abrupt withdrawal. The eyes of African and global football fans are now turning toward Morocco, which is preparing to host the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations at the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. Morocco secured the tournament after a competitive race against Algeria's bid and the joint Nigeria–Benin proposal. This edition marks Morocco's long-awaited return to hosting Africa's biggest football event, following the 1988 tournament that left a lasting imprint on the continent's sporting history. Morocco, CAF's Saviour in 1988 Morocco's hosting of the 1988 AFCON came as a lifeline for the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which found itself facing a major organisational crisis. Zambia, the original host, withdrew in 1986 due to financial constraints. CAF then turned to Algeria, granting it the right to host the competition. But relations between the Algerian federation and CAF deteriorated less than a year later after CAF ordered a replay of Algeria's match against Tunisia in the 1987 All-Africa Games qualifiers, protesting the participation of two Algerian professional players. In response, the Algerian federation rejected CAF's decision and pulled out from organising the 1988 AFCON altogether. This forced CAF to urgently seek a replacement host. Morocco, with its ready infrastructure, namely the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca and the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, became the ideal and quickest solution. The 1988 tournament was held in a classic eight-team format. Six teams qualified to join hosts Morocco and defending champions Egypt. Group A in Casablanca featured Morocco, Algeria, Zaire (now DR Congo), and Côte d'Ivoire. Morocco topped the group with four points after defeating Algeria, while Algeria followed in second place with three points. Group B in Rabat brought together Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Kenya, with Nigeria and Cameroon finishing level on four points each. In the semi-finals, Cameroon beat Morocco 1–0, while Nigeria defeated Algeria on penalties. Algeria later claimed third place by beating Morocco on penalties after a 1–1 draw. Cameroon went on to win the final against Nigeria with a lone goal, securing their second continental title. Morocco Steps In Again — This Time for Guinea Much like in 1988, Morocco was not CAF's first choice for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Guinea had originally been awarded hosting rights, but CAF revoked the decision after determining that the country's infrastructure could not support an expanded 24-team tournament. Morocco had also been scheduled to host the 2015 edition before withdrawing due to health concerns related to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. CAF reacted harshly at the time, excluding Morocco from the 2017 and 2019 tournaments and imposing nearly USD 9 million in financial penalties as «compensation for damages» suffered by CAF. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ruled entirely in Morocco's favour, overturning all sporting sanctions and reducing the fine to the minimum stipulated by CAF regulations, USD 50,000.
