The Paris leg of the Diaspora Tour, held Wednesday to promote next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, brought together leading figures from African football as the tournament trophy was showcased near the Eiffel Tower.
Former Ivory Coast star and AFCON winner Yaya Touré commended the preparations for the upcoming event, naming Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt as the leading contenders for the title.
Senegal defender Moussa Niakhaté said the tournament will offer a glimpse of Morocco’s capability as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. He noted that the global spotlight will once again turn to Africa, remarking that the upcoming AFCON will act as “a small test before the big World Cup,” and a sign of African football’s continued progress.
This year marks the 35th edition of the biennial tournament and the first time the competition will take place across the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Host nation Morocco will kick off the tournament against Comoros on December 21 at Rabat’s newly built Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which seats 69,500 spectators and will also host the final on January 18.
The Diaspora Tour will continue in Paris on December 4.
