The Moroccan team celebrates being crowned champions in first place during the 2024 African Nations Championship, CHAN, Final match between Madagascar and Morocco at the kasarani Stadium in Nairobi , Kenya on 30 August 2025 ©Djaffar Ladjal/BackpagePix
Sunday Sep 14, 2025. 15:00
Moroccan football legend Karim El Ahmadi has revealed the Atlas Lions’ next target after their success at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The North African side were crowned champions after defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the final played at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, on August 30.
Having retired from professional football in 2022 after playing for Morocco at the 2017 and 2018 AFCON finals, El Ahmadi is now eager to see his nation win the biggest African football tournament.
“They all say the same thing: there is no room for second or third place,” El Ahmadi said on CAF Online.
“There is only one target—to win AFCON and keep the trophy in Morocco. That is every player’s biggest motivation.
“On the pitch, I hope we play very well and win AFCON. Off it, I hope all visitors enjoy Morocco. There is so much to discover for tourists. I hope people appreciate the country and want to come back every year,” the 40-year-old former Feyenoord and Aston Villa defensive midfielder added.
“Above all, that visitors from every nation feel welcome and have a great time in Morocco.”
One of Africa’s most successful national football teams, Morocco won four CAF continental titles, the 1976 AFCON and three CHAN (2018, 2020 and 2024), while participating in the FIFA World Cup six times.