“I Have Never Experienced an AFCON Organized at This Level”: Mohamed Salah and Samuel Eto’o Praise Morocco

Mohamed Salah. Photo Credit: Кирилл Венедиктов/ Wikimedia.org

Morocco continues to receive widespread praise for the organization of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with tributes coming from some of the continent’s most influential football figures, despite intense sporting rivalries.

As host nation of AFCON 2025, Morocco has impressed players, officials, and supporters alike with the quality of its infrastructure, security, and hospitality throughout the tournament. While South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has voiced criticism of the organization, most participants have expressed strong satisfaction with their experience.

Mohamed Salah applauds Morocco’s organization

Egypt captain and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah joined the list of high-profile voices praising Morocco on Saturday night,shortly after the Pharaohs secured their place in the semi-finals by defeating Ivory Coast 3-2.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after receiving his Man of the Match award, Salah was unequivocal: “I would like to thank Morocco for the organization. The people here operate at a very high level in terms of order and security. I have never taken part in an African competition organized at this level. I wish them every success.”

The statement carries particular weight given Salah’s vast experience, with AFCON 2025 marking the fifth Africa Cup of Nations of his international career.

Samuel Eto’o sends an official message of gratitude

Later that same evening, Samuel Eto’o, President of the Cameroon Football Federation,also paid tribute to Morocco’s organizational excellence. Despite Cameroon’s quarter-final elimination by Walid Regragui’s side (2-0), Eto’o sent an official letter on behalf of the federation expressing his appreciation.

“On behalf of the Cameroonian delegation and supporters, I extend our respectful greetings and sporting congratulations, in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect,” read the letter made public by the federation.

This message came despite a tense pre-match context between Eto’o and FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, particularly surrounding the controversial referee appointment. Eto’o nevertheless chose to emphasize “his deep appreciation for the exemplary quality of the tournament’s organization and the warm, fraternal and welcoming reception shown to the team, delegation and supporters by the Moroccan people.”

He further highlighted that the hospitality experienced across all venues “reflects the remarkable preparatory work carried out by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation,” before wishing the Atlas Lions success ahead of their semi-final clash with Nigeria on Wednesday 14 January.

Through these endorsements from Mohamed Salah and Samuel Eto’o, Morocco’s AFCON 2025 continues to stand out as a benchmark edition, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a world-class host for major international sporting events.