Excitement is building towards the Total Energies U23 Africa Cup of Nations final scheduled for July 8, at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Morocco.

With all eyes on Morocco, a number of eminent African sporting personalities, including more than 46 presidents of African soccer federations are already storming Rabat to witness what should be a thrilling North African derby.

The presence of the federation presidents only testifies to the Kingdom of Morocco’s leading position in the African soccer landscape, where it is regarded as a major player in the development of soccer on the continent.

Gabon, Nigeria, and Egypt won the competition in 2011, 2015, and 2019 respectively.

At the semi-final stage, Morocco eliminated Mali 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, while Egypt squeezed past Guinea with a 1-0 win to earn a place in the final as well as two of Africa’s three tickets to the Paris Olympic Games 2024. The third-place winner between Mali and Guinea will claim the third ticket.

Niger, Gabon, Ghana and Congo were the other contestants in the eight-team U23 Africa Cup of Nations tournament that started on June 24 in the Moroccan cities of Rabat and Tangier.

The Kingdom of Morocco welcomes the prospect of continuing its commitment to the organization of world-class sporting events, capitalizing on its successful track record.

Indeed, it is enthusiastically considering the possibility of hosting the 2025 African Cup of Nations, as well as the 2030 World Cup in collaboration with Spain and Portugal.

Morocco’s football project and ambitions are admired by its neighboring states in Europe Spain and Portugal.

Weeks after King Mohammed VI had announced that his country had joined the 2030 World Cup bid, apparently replacing war-torn Ukraine in a three-way alliance, Portugal and Spain could not hold back their excitement.

“We are very happy that Morocco will be incorporated in our bid. They are two continents, very close, the three countries very close. Each capital of each country is one hour difference from the others, it’s known that our people, our population in every country, is full of enthusiasm for football. So in my opinion, this World Cup in 2030, organized by the three countries, could be a fantastic World”, Portugal’s Football Association president Fernando Gomes told the media.

But Spain feel none will match the Iberian bid.

The President of Royal Spanish Football Federation FLuis Rubiales pointed out that: “With the inclusion of Morocco, we are really strong. Morocco is a much respected country in Africa, but also outside Africa. They are working so hard and growing. We could see that in the last World Cup.”

“Together as three countries, we have a lot to show to the rest of the world. We are convinced that in the future we are in a good position to organize the world cup.”

For now Morocco will look at hosting a successful finale on Saturday.

AFCON U23

Friday, 8pm 

Third-place

Mali v Egypt

Saturday, 11pm

Final

Morocco v Egypt

Road to the final

Morocco

Group stage

Morocco 2 Guinea 1

Morocco 5 Ghana 1

Morocco 1 Congo 0

Semi-final

Morocco 2 (4) Mali 2 (3)

Egypt

Group stage

Egypt 0 Niger 0

Egypt 1 Mali 0

Egypt 2 Gabon 0

Semi-final

Egypt 1 Guinea 0