AFCON 2025: Morocco Aim to Uphold Historic Host Nation Tradition
Morocco stand just one win away from writing their name into a unique Africa Cup of Nations tradition as the Atlas Lions prepare for the AFCON 2025 final on home soil.
History appears to favour the hosts. In previous AFCON tournaments, every host nation that beat or eliminated Cameroon went on to lift the trophy.
Sudan set the tone in 1970, defeating Cameroon 2-1 before winning the championship. Egypt followed the same path in 1986, eliminating the Indomitable Lions on penalties en route to glory, while South Africa repeated the feat in 1996 when they beat Cameroon 3-0.
In the 2025 edition, Morocco added their name to that list after knocking out Cameroon in the quarter-finals, reigniting belief that the long-standing pattern could continue.
The Atlas Lions then showed composure and resilience in the semi-finals, edging past Nigeria 4–2 on penalties after a tense goalless draw in regulation time.
That victory booked Morocco a place in the final and sent the home fans into celebration, with hopes now firmly fixed on continental glory.
Awaiting them in the final are heavyweights Senegal, who are appearing in their third AFCON final in the last four editions.
The Teranga Lions are bidding for their second AFCON title, having claimed their maiden crown in 2021, and arrive with pedigree, experience, and confidence on the big stage.
For Morocco, the stakes are equally high. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions are chasing their second AFCON title and their first since 1976.
Victory would not only end a long wait for continental success but also see them uphold the remarkable tradition tied to Cameroon’s elimination by host nations.
As Rabat braces for a blockbuster final, the question remains: can Morocco complete the script written by history, or will Senegal spoil the host nation’s dream?
One match now stands between tradition and a new chapter in AFCON history.