A world record run of 18 consecutive victories has set up Achraf Hakimi-inspired Morocco perfectly for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on home soil.

The streak began in June 2024 when they edged Zambia 2-1 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with the most recent a 4-0 hammering of Uganda last month in a friendly.

Spain had held the record since 2009 with 15 wins — a mark Morocco overtook by defeating Congo Brazzaville 1-0 two months ago in another World Cup qualifier.

Morocco have scored 55 goals in the 18 matches and conceded just four, while keeping 14 clean sheets.

It is this outstanding form, home advantage and the hoped-for presence of 2025 African player of the year Hakimi that has seen Morocco installed as firm favourites to be crowned African champions.

Paris Saint-German full-back Hakimi sprained an ankle after being fouled in a UEFA Champions League loss to Bayern Munich, but initial fears that he would miss the AFCON seem to be decreasing.

Speaking after the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington at the weekend, coach Walid Regragui said: “We hope he will be available for our first match against the Comoros.

“He is doing better. He is improving. He wants to be here (Morocco). He is our leader, our captain,” said the tactician who defied the odds by taking Morocco to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals in Qatar.

Hakimi, fellow full-back Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United, goalkeeper Yassine ‘Bono’ Bounou, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and forward Youssef En Nesyri form the core of the Atlas Lions line-up.

While Hakimi, wearing a medical boot at the awards ceremony in Rabat to protect his injury, was hailed as the best player in the continent, Saudi Arabia-based Bono won the best goalkeeper award.

Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid was not in Qatar, but has emerged as a clinical finisher. He was the leading scorer with seven goals in 2025 AFCON qualifying.

Treasured trophy

Winning the most treasured football trophy in Africa would not only trigger joy across the kingdom, but also huge relief.

Morocco won their sole AFCON title in 1976 in Ethiopia.

The closest Morocco have come to conquering Africa since then was in 2004 when they fell 2-1 to hosts Tunisia in the final. Regragui was part of the losing team.

“My wishes are that many people will visit our beautiful land for the AFCON and that Morocco will be crowned champions,” said the 50-year-old coach.

After facing Comoros in the December 21 opening match, Morocco meet Mali five days later and Zambia on December 29.

All the Moroccan matches in Group A will be at the 68,700-seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which will also stage the final.

Mali, arguably the strongest of the 12 contenders who have never won the competition, have set a minimum target of reaching the semi-finals.

“I read an article describing us as ‘big outsiders’ — that is accurate,” said coach Tom Saintfiet, who took debutants Gambia to the 2022 quarter-finals.

“Mali are on a par with teams like Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Senegal. We may not have as many global stars, but our group is cohesive, determined and talented,” the Belgian added.

While Morocco and Mali are expected to be the two sides to progress from Group A, Comoros coach Stefano Cusin had a warning for his rivals.

“For the big African nations, playing against us is a bit like going to the dentist — nobody enjoys it,” said the Canadian-Italian.

After losing three of four home 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Zambia dumped former Chelsea manager Avram Grant. His replacement is ex-international defender Moses Sichone.

Zambia have disappointed since a stunning 2012 AFCON final triumph over Ivory Coast, but captain and defender Lubambo Musonda is optimistic, saying he is “looking forward to a great tournament”.

-AFP

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The African Football Confederation 7 (AFC7), which oversees the seven-a-side version of football, has taken a major leap in its mission to expand the visibility and growth of Football 7 on the continent with the appointment of former Cameroon international Jean II Makoun as its new ambassador.

According to reports from Cameroon’s Kick442, the decision brings into the fold one of the most technically accomplished midfielders of his generation—an ideal fit for a football discipline built on skill, intelligence, close control and quick execution.

Makoun enjoyed a distinguished career spanning nearly 20 years, turning out for top European clubs including Lille, Olympique Lyonnais, Aston Villa and Olympiacos.

He earned over 60 caps for the Indomitable Lions, becoming widely respected for his exceptional ball mastery, vision, tactical awareness and ability to dictate tempo under pressure.

These qualities mirror the demands of Football 7, where agility, creativity in tight spaces and rapid transitions define the game.

AFC7 President Bamnga Jacques expressed strong optimism about the impact Makoun will bring to the sport’s development.
“We welcome Mr. Makoun and are confident in his ability to drive the growth of Football 7 across the continent,” he said.

Makoun’s first assignment as ambassador will take him to Morocco this week, where he will participate in a high-profile seven-aside exhibition match aimed at showcasing the dynamism, flair and fast-paced appeal of the sport.

Football 7—also known as seven-aside—is a compact, high-tempo variation of association football played on smaller pitches with shorter halves. Its emphasis on technique, fluid attacking play and swift decision-making has fueled rapid global growth, and AFC7 is determined to position Africa at the forefront of this evolution.

With Makoun joining the team, AFC7 plans to deepen its development programmes, strengthen community engagement, and create competitive platforms that will accelerate the rise of Football 7 across the continent.

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Morocco extended their record-breaking run of successive victories to 18 as they beat Uganda 4-0 in a friendly international in Tangier on Tuesday.

The match was part of their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations finals, which they host next month.

Uganda scored an own goal through defender Herbert Achai in the fourth minute, with Ismael Saibari adding Morocco’s second in the 33rd.

Substitute Soufiane Rahimi converted a penalty in the 79th minute and another substitute, Bilal El Khannouss, made it 4-0 with two minutes remaining.

Morocco went past the previous record of 15, which Spain set between June 2008-2009, in October.

Morocco open the Cup of Nations finals against Comoros in Rabat on December 21.

-Reuters

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