Every Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is heralded as the ‘best ever’ in the pre-tournament fanfare. While that superlative is still up for debate, the 2025 edition in Morocco is indisputably carving out its own unique identity: it is on track to be the wettest Afcon in memory. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]]
This meteorological twist has become a central character in the tournament’s narrative. Broadcasts have consistently shown players battling not just opponents, but the elements, with shirts plastered to their skin in relentless downpours. This stands in stark contrast to the searing heat and humidity that have historically defined Afcon, testing players’ endurance in a completely different way. The forecast promises more of the same for the knockout stages, setting the stage for a battle of adaptation and resilience.
Beyond the weather, several key stories have emerged from the group stage that define this tournament’s early chapters:
1. **Mohamed Salah’s Scoring Return:** For Egypt and its global fanbase, Salah finding the net is more than just a goal; it’s a narrative correction. After the heartbreak of the 2021 final loss and a quieter 2023 tournament, his scoring form signals a pharaoh in pursuit of the one major trophy that has eluded him. His goals carry the weight of a nation’s expectation and his own legacy.
2. **Achraf Hakimi’s Homecoming:** The return of Morocco’s star full-back, Achraf Hakimi, from injury is a tactical and emotional lift for the Atlas Lions. Playing a ‘home’ Afcon (though officially neutral), his marauding runs and defensive solidity are crucial for a team with immense pressure to perform. His presence transforms their flank from a question mark into a weapon.
3. **The Stadium Legacy Play:** While crowds for non-host matches have been sparse, the quality of the infrastructure has been a silent triumph. The pitches, in particular, have handled the deluges remarkably well. This is no accident. Morocco’s massive investment in renovating and constructing these venues is a direct down payment on co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Afcon 2025 is, effectively, a high-stakes dress rehearsal, and the facilities are passing the test with flying colors. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]]
4. **The Tactical Adaptation to the Rain:** The conditions have forced a fascinating tactical shift. Teams reliant on intricate passing and high presses have had to adjust, potentially favoring sides with physicality, direct play, and set-piece prowess. The weather is an unpredictable opponent that managers must now game-plan for.
5. **Fan Resolve in the Elements:** The true test of the tournament’s atmosphere will be the fans’ willingness to brave the cold rain for the knockout rounds. Their presence—or absence—will speak volumes about the local engagement and the challenging conditions.
6. **A Contrast in Continental Conditions:** This wet, cold Afcon fundamentally alters the environmental challenge. Past tournaments in West and Central Africa tested players’ ability to conserve energy in extreme heat. Morocco 2025 tests their technical ability on slick surfaces, their concentration in difficult conditions, and their physicality in cooler weather. It’s a different kind of African football exam.
In essence, the group stage has set a compelling scene: a tournament where legacy pursuits (Salah), national hopes (Hakimi/Morocco), and future ambitions (the 2030 World Cup infrastructure) are all playing out under the persistent drum of rain. The knockout phases will determine if this unique blend of weather and narrative produces a classic, or simply a memorable, damp spectacle.