Motsepe’s Full speech to kick-start AFCON 2025
CAF president Patrice Motsepe has officially opened the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 with calculated words, welcoming the entire African continent and the world .
The eyes of the sporting world turned to Morocco tonight as CAF President Patrice Motsepe officially inaugurated the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). In a speech defined by gratitude and a vision for continental unity, Motsepe set the stage for what many expect to be the most sophisticated tournament in the competition’s history.
Full speech
“Good evening Morocco. On behalf of CAF and the 54 member associations, thank his majesty mohamed VI, may God assist him.
I also thank Prince Moulay Hassan, the Government of Morocco; I want to thank the people of Morocco, including the Royal Moroccan football federation led by Fouzi Leekja. Thank them for the love of the people of Morocco and the people of Africa. Thank my brother Gianni infantino who brought the 2030 world Cup back to Morocco, Africa.
Today we welcome the people of Africa, and we are going to show them the best football on the continent. We are committed as CAF to use football to unite people of races, and different backgrounds in Africa and the World.
The national team of Morocco made moroccans and the people of Africa proud when they became the first African nation to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals.
On behalf of the member associations and on behalf of Africa, I will like to declare the AFCON officially open.
Merci beaucoup Maroc, and thank you Africa. All the best.” Motsepe ended.
As the whistle blows on the opening match, Morocco 2025 promises to be a celebration of African excellence and a testament to the continent’s unified spirit.
