HIBAPRESS – Rabat
A statement from the Royal Cabinet stated:
"Following the 35th African Cup of Nations, hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco in an atmosphere of enthusiasm from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God grant him victory, expresses his deep thanks to all components of the nation that contributed wonderfully to the great success of this distinguished event.
His Majesty is keen, in particular, to congratulate all citizens across the various cities of the Kingdom on the efforts made, and to express his thanks to each individual for their valuable contribution to this historic success, which has received recognition and praise from the whole world. His Majesty, may God protect him, also directs expressions of appreciation to the millions of Moroccans, women, men, and children, who have not hesitated, each in their own way and always in an exemplary manner, to support their national team, which now occupies eighth place in the world ranking. This distinguished result is, in particular, the fruit of a voluntary, highly ambitious policy at the sports level and in the field of infrastructure, as well as the choice emanating from the rooted national spirit of talented children from Moroccans of the world to wear the national team jersey and defend its colors with pride and honor. This tournament will remain a prominent event in the history of the continental competition, as it, in addition to its excellent sporting results, has made it possible to measure the qualitative leap that the Kingdom has achieved on the path of development and progress, thanks to a long-term vision and a unique and effective Moroccan model that puts the citizen at the heart of all aspirations. If this great continental football celebration hosted by the Kingdom was marred by the unfortunate events witnessed in the final minutes of the final match of this championship, which brought together the Moroccan and Senegalese teams, during which shameful facts and actions were recorded; then, as soon as the intensity of emotion and feelings subsides, the bonds of African brotherhood will naturally prevail; as this Moroccan success is also a success for all of Africa. Morocco will remain proud to have presented on its land a month of popular joy and sporting enthusiasm, and thus contributed to the radiance of Africa and football on the continent. On the other hand, and in the face of defamation and some attempts to undermine credibility, His Majesty the King, may God grant him victory, remains convinced that hostile plans will never reach their goal, and that the Moroccan people know how to distinguish between matters, and will not accept to be led by rancor and division. Nothing can affect the rapprochement that has been woven over centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation between the various countries of the continent, which continues to be strengthened by more ambitious partnerships. The Kingdom of Morocco was and will remain a great African country faithful to the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, and respect that it has always established towards its continent. In accordance with the insightful vision of His Majesty the King, Morocco will continue its firm and unwavering commitment for the benefit of a united and prosperous Africa, especially through the common sharing of its experiences, expertise, and skills."
