By Gary Al-Smith, Doha, Qatar

On the sidelines of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, an Observation Programme has commenced in Doha, bringing together 55 officials from football associations around the world for a five-day technical immersion designed to showcase Qatar’s expertise in staging major sporting events.

Organised by the tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Qatar Football Association, the programme offers participants hands-on exposure to tournament operations across critical functional areas, including ticketing, medical services, security coordination, venue management and commercial rights delivery.

Delegates will also tour key sites such as stadiums, training complexes, the Main Media Centre and the accreditation hub.

“We created this programme because federations worldwide have been eager to learn from Qatar’s success in hosting world-class events,” said LOC CEO Jassim Al Jassim.

“Sharing our expertise is central to our commitment to building a legacy that extends far beyond any single event.”

Since hosting the widely acclaimed FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar has continued to reinforce its status as a global sports destination.

The country has staged the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 and recently broke new ground by hosting the first-ever 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup, in which all 104 matches were played at a single venue.

Qatar is also hosting the final three matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 during the rest days of the Arab Cup, demonstrating its ability to efficiently manage overlapping tournaments.

Participants say the programme is offering invaluable insights.

“It’s great to be in Qatar and be part of this knowledge-sharing opportunity,” said Natasha Al Naber, Competitions Officer at the West Asian Football Federation. “Understanding how multiple stakeholders work together here will help us enhance tournaments in our region.”

For Norman Gwangwadza, Head of Finance and Administration at the Zimbabwe Football Association, the experience has underscored the importance of operational alignment.

“Planning is key. Procurement, transportation and resource management are areas where Qatar excels, and I hope to apply these lessons back home,” he said.

Edna Nisola of the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association said the programme has deepened her understanding of fan-engagement strategies.

“This has given me a fresh perspective on how Qatar consistently delivers exceptional fan experiences,” she noted.

The LOC also recently hosted delegations from the organising committees of the FIFA World Cup Saudi Arabia 2034 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, as Qatar continues to serve as a regional and global reference point for sports event delivery.

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 continues in Doha this week, with the Observation Programme running alongside tournament operations.

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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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