2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations kicks off with spectacular opening ceremony in Morocco

RABAT, Agencies

The 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) burst into life on Sunday night in Rabat with a spectacular opening ceremony that blended music, movement and symbolism, setting an emphatic tone for a month-long celebration of African football in Morocco.

Played out before a sold-out capacity crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and watched by millions on television across the globe, the ceremony unfolded moments before hosts Morocco faced Comoros in the tournament’s opening match. 

It offered a vivid reminder that Afcon is as much a cultural showcase as it is a sporting contest. The ceremony opened with a calm yet evocative musical sequence, fusing African rhythms with traditional Moroccan sounds.

Performers moved in carefully choreographed patterns across a pitch transformed by colour and light, reflecting the continent’s diversity and football heritage. 

A central figure carrying a football-shaped map symbolised Africa’s unity, while Amazigh-inspired music underscored Morocco’s identity and deep historical roots.

Visual projections drew inspiration from Moroccan zellige patterns and artisanal crafts, while giant screens showcased everyday life, education, landscapes and iconic cities including Fez, Casablanca and Marrakech.

One of the most emotional moments came with a rendition of Allah Ya Moulana, immortalised by legendary Moroccan group Nass El Ghiwane, anchoring the spectacle in cultural memory. Music took centre stage as global stars French Montana, Davido, L’Artiste and Jaylann delivered uplifting performances that energised the crowd and resonated with international audiences, reinforcing Afcon’s growing global appeal.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, opening his address with “Assalamu Alaikum”, thanked King Mohammed VI, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the Moroccan government and people, as well as Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa, for their role in bringing the tournament to life.

He hailed Morocco’s passion for football and declared the competition officially open in the presence of the Fifa President Gianni Infantino.

Moments before hosts Morocco faced Comoros in the tournament’s opening match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, French Montana, Davido and RedOne headlined the ceremony’s flagship performance, titled “Le Show”.

The performance was one of the most visually striking opening moments in Afcon history, combining music, light, movement and symbolism in a carefully choreographed display aimed at a global television audience stretching far beyond the continent.

French Montana, born in Morocco and raised in the United States, brings global hip-hop influence and diaspora identity to the opening night. 

One of the most recognisable African-born artists on the international rap scene, his presence reflects Morocco’s role as host and a cultural bridge between Africa and the wider world.

Davido arrived as one of Africa’s most influential musical figures of the modern era. The Nigerian Afrobeats star has helped carry African music onto the world’s biggest stages, with a sound associated with celebration, confidence and continental pride, qualities CAF believes mirror the spirit of Afcon.

Completing the trio was RedOne, the Moroccan-born producer whose work has shaped global pop music across continents. His inclusion underlines Africa’s creative reach behind the scenes, linking African identity with international audiences through sound and production.

“Le Show” unfolded as a dynamic visual narrative, with the three artists converging at centre stage amid pulsing lights, drums and digital displays. The performance was designed to reflect unity, diversity and movement, themes central to the 2025 Afcon’s message.

The opening ceremony served as a cultural statement as much as a sporting one, projecting African creativity and confidence to millions watching worldwide. The ceremony marks 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.

With nine stadiums in use and Morocco hosting the finals for the first time since 1988, the 2025 Afcon is being framed as one of the most ambitious editions of the competition, combining elite football with cultural storytelling on a continental scale.

As the first ball was kicked later on Sunday night, Africa’s biggest football celebration began not only with goals and competition, but with music, identity and a message designed to resonate far beyond the pitch.