Grand Stade de Marrakech is a major sports facility in the Red city of Marrakech in Morocco and key for the upcoming 35th African cup of nations.
Constructed in 2012 the venue has undergone major renovations ahead of this year’s continental showpiece set to be held between 21st December 2025 to 18th January next year.
Among the renovations undertaken in the first phase in readiness for AFCON include; installation of 700 technical cameras for security, new wall and modification of the seats which has been reduced to 41,245.
Other conspicuous changes for the stadium include changing all lining to reduce electricity consumption by about 60%.
Marrakech stadium has been assigned 8 AFCON matches key among them being group F cracker pitting 5-time champions Cameroon against the defending champions Ivory coast on 28th December this year this year.
Other matches to be staged in Marrakech will include Ivory Coast vs Mozambique, South Africa vs Angola, Angola vs Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe vs South Africa,1 round of 16 and 1 quarter final.
The venue will thereafter be renovated by lowering its centre to increase its capacity to 46,000, construction of three new training pitches outside to match the 2030 FIFA World Cup standards.
Omary Hyari the Royal federation Moroccan football President (FRMF) Fouzi Lekjaa,Advisor has reaffirmed their commitment to deliver the best tournament than the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast.
“Thanks to the vision of his Majesty the King Mohammed VI the government has invested heavily on sports facilities and infrastructure and we want to ensure we deliver the best ever AFCON tournament,”Omar said
On supporting infrastructure he said, “We have speed train which,good road network to necessitate movement of fans and players who can watch a match in Tangier and move to Casablanca for the next fixture.”
“Morocco is ready to welcome the continent for the AFCON finals .Am taking this opportunity to welcome the entire continent to Morocco and our team is the most favourite to lift the trophy with huge fans support which was evident as the Morocco vs Niger World Cup Qualifier 70,000 match tickets set for Friday were sold within 6 hours.”Omar added
The 2025 edition of AFCON, which will feature 24 teams, will be staged in 9 venues spread across 6 cities of Rabat, Tangier, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech and Fes between 21st December 2025 and 18th January 2026.
