Chinese Media Hail Morocco’s Historic AFCON 2025 Final Qualification

Morocco’s qualification for the AFCON 2025 final has drawn strong praise from Chinese media outlets, which described the achievement as exceptional. The Lions of the Atlas reached the final for the first time since 2004.

Chinese media highlight Morocco’s achievement

China.org.cn underlined the importance of Morocco’s qualification, noting that the host nation reached its first Africa Cup of Nations final in more than two decades. The outlet highlighted goalkeeper Yassine Bounou’s decisive role, especially his two penalty saves during the shootout against Nigeria, which ended 4-2 after a goalless draw.

Sports platform Dongqiudi.com focused on the Moroccan team’s technical quality, physical strength, and composure under pressure. According to the report, Morocco showed remarkable mental control in a high-stakes semi-final.

Global attention around AFCON 2025 in Morocco

Sina.com shared video highlights showing the celebrations of Moroccan supporters and praised the collective performance of the national team. Particular attention was given to Bounou, who emerged as the hero of the night.

The Chinese outlet also pointed out the presence of international football figures, including former coach Arsène Wenger, as evidence of the growing global appeal of AFCON 2025 hosted in Morocco.

A defensive strength praised by analysts

News.7m.com.cn emphasized Morocco’s defensive solidity throughout the tournament. After a convincing 2-0 win against Cameroon in the quarter-finals, the Lions of the Atlas eliminated Nigeria without conceding a goal in the semi-final.

The same source noted the unprecedented media coverage of AFCON 2025. More than 300 journalists attended the pre-match press conference before the Morocco-Nigeria semi-final, marking a record in the competition’s history.

According to several Chinese outlets, a victory in the final would allow Morocco to secure its second AFCON title and further strengthen its status as a major force in African football.