
Mtokozisi Dube
Morocco has opened its state-of-the-art stadiums for fellow African nations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The North African country leads the race to host the 2025 AFCON after Guinea were stripped of the rights.
CAF is expected to name the host country for the 2025 edition in the next few weeks.
But before then, six African countries, namely Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso, Gambia and Mali descend on Morocco in March to play their qualifiers.
Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FRMF) confirmed the development.
“In response to a request from a number of African football federations, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation agreed to host three matches in Morocco in March,” the FRMF said in a statement.
Togo take on Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau will lock horns with Nigeria, while Gambia clashes with Mali.
Liberia have previously hosted their home games in the North African countries.
The country has over the years hosted a number of continental competitions in various stadiums, strengthening the country’s bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025.
In 2022, Rabat hosted the Women’s African Cup of Nations and the CAF Women’s Champions League.
The North African is currently hosting its third FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid set to clash with Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.
Morocco has several arenas approved by CAF to host continental games. They include Casablanca’s 45,000-seater Mohammed V Complex, Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Complex, which houses 53,000 spectators, Grand Stade de Marrakech (45,240), Agadir’s Stade Adrar (45,480), Grand Stade de Tanger (45,000), and Grand Stade de Fez (37,000).