The 37-year-long wait is finally over as Morocco plays host to the 35th African Cup of Nations, which gets underway tonight at the 67,000 seater Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat.
The Atlas Lions of Morocco will be in the hunt for their 2nd title as they play the opening match in Group A tonight against the Comoros Coelacanths.
Before the match there will be an opening ceremony to be attended by dignitaries, among them CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe.
The match will kick off at 8pm Moroccan time, equivalent to 10pm Kenyan time, and will be preceded by the opening ceremony an hour before.
Morocco will be playing Comoros for a fifth time, having won four and shared spoils in the past encounters.
The Atlas Lions are ranked 11th in the world FIFA rankings and are the highest-ranked African side, while Comoros is ranked 108th.
Among the technological advancements in this year’s AFCON is the introduction of the Yalla App, which is mandatory for all fans in order to access match venues.
Nigerian artist Davido and other local artists will perform during the opening ceremony.
A total of 52 matches will be staged in nine venues spread across six cities in Morocco, with the final pencilled for the 18th next month.
