AFCON 2025: Hadji cautions Morocco, “Great talents, not enough”

Ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, Moroccan football legend Mustapha Hadji has issued a warning to the Atlas Lions.

Morocco is one of the favorites to win the 35th AFCON finals, which will take place there from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Having won the 1998 CAF African Footballer of the Year award, Hadji is regarded as one of Africa’s and Morocco’s best midfielders of all time.

“The task is enormous and enormous. The 53-year-old stated on CAFOnline, “We must not depart believing that we are complete winners.”

“You must show respect to each and every opponent. There are many outstanding players and teams in African football nowadays. Small countries are extinct. No matter who the opponent is, nobody can predict in advance if a match will be easy or won.

It’s true that Morocco has a remarkable generation of talented people right now. However, this won’t be sufficient. On the field, we’ll have to demonstrate it. In front of an audience that has high expectations, we will need to put in a lot of effort. There is more pressure while playing at home. Playing at home and winning a TotalEnergies CAF AFCON is never simple,” he said.

The former Aston Villa and Sporting Lisbon player, who scored 12 goals for his nation and earned 63 Morocco appearances, used Ivory Costa, the hosts and champions of the 2023 AFCON, as an example.

In the case of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Morocco provided them with a crucial hand. However, the situation is different. We need to be well prepared for today,” he continued.

“We have a fantastic squad, outstanding players, and a Federation President (Fouzi Lekjaa) who is passionate about Moroccan football. Moroccan football has had a remarkable metamorphosis since he took over as Federation president, rising from its lowest points to international acclaim.

All of this motivates us to meet the challenge. Although I wouldn’t say it’s required, we must have a fantastic TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.