Davido, French Montana thrill audience
AS widely expected, the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, got off to a bight start yesterday in Rabat as Afrobeats superstar Davido and global rap sensation French Montana delivered a show-stopping performance at the tournament’s Opening Ceremony.
Played out before a sold-out capacity crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and watched by millions on television across the globe, the world audience was held spellbound moments before the hosts, Morocco, got off their campaign to a winning note with a 2-0 win over hard-fighting Comoros.
Both sides had settled for a goalless first half after Morocco squandered a penalty mid-way into the game but it was the hosts that kept their momentum at the restart.
They were eventually rewarded with the opener in the 55th minute through Brahim Díaz while Ayoub El Kaabi added the second goal in the 77th minute with spectacular over-head (bicycle) kick that should be a contender for the goal of the tournament.
Meanwhile, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, opening his address with “Assalamu Alaikum”, thanked King Mohammed VI, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the Moroccan government and people, as well as Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa, for their role in bringing the tournament to life.
He hailed Morocco’s passion for football and declared the competition officially open in the presence of the FIFA President Gianni Infantino
The presence of Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, who officially inaugurated the competition alongside Motsepe and Infantino, added ceremonial weight to the evening.
The Comoros President Azali Assoumani was also in attendance, highlighting the continental significance of the occasion.
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