Demonstrations in front of Parliament in Rabat
“A series of ongoing youth-led demonstrations in Morocco began on 27 September 2025. Organized by decentralized, anonymous collectives known as GenZ 212 and Moroccan Youth Voice, the protests demanded significant improvements to public education and healthcare, while criticizing government spending on international sporting events like the 2030 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Protesters expressed discontent with the deterioration of quality of public services, and state investment in infrastructure for international sporting events over public services. They were the largest protests since the 2011–2012 Moroccan protests. …”
Wikipedia
Gen-Z protests ignite across Morocco
Guardian: What drove gen Z protests that brought down governments and called out corruption? Five activists explain
YouTube: Morocco’s youth protest for fifth night, decry World Cup spending over schools and hospitals

Government investment in gleaming football stadiums, like this one in Marrakesh, have drawn the ire of Morocco’s youth, who demand a reprioritization from infrastructure toward public services.
Daily Archives: January 7, 2026
Grounded expectations
“Ahmed Musa’s retirement from international football was more than just the second recent departure of a Super Eagles captain, following on from that of his successor, William Troost-Ekong. It marked an interesting milestone—Musa was the last surviving member of the victorious 2013 African Cup of Nations side. In the subsequent period, Nigeria failed to defend its title at the next tournament. It didn’t qualify for the 2017 edition either, before two podium finishes sandwiched by a round-of-16 knockout by Tunisia in 2021. Similarly, it made the 2014 and 2018 World Cups but has failed to qualify since, most recently after being knocked out of the continental playoffs by a resurgent DR Congo side, drawing the furor of a football-mad nation expecting to have made it. …”
Africa Is a Country
Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and a squabble that threatens Nigerian unity

“Nigeria are their own worst enemies. Everybody should be thrilled at their impressive performances at the Africa Cup of Nations and how they have responded to the disappointment of failing to qualify for a second successive World Cup. Monday evening’s 4-0 victory against Mozambique secured a place in the quarter-finals, and a potential reunion with the Democratic Republic of Congo, who beat them in November’s World Cup play-off final. …”
NY Times/The Athletic
BBC: Algeria fans drive their team on
YouTube: Algeria vs DR Congo | EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS
Ivory Coast meet Egypt in 2025 AFCON quarters after easing by Burkina Faso
“Manchester United winger Amad Diallo starred as Ivory Coast beat Burkina Faso 3-0 on Monday and became the first Africa Cup of Nations defending champions to reach the quarterfinals since 2010. Diallo struck the opening goal and created the second for Yan Diomande before half-time. Substitute Bazoumana Toure completed the scoring in the closing minutes in Marrakesh. Ivory Coast now travel south to the Moroccan coastal city of Agadir, where they will face record seven-time champions Egypt on Saturday for a semifinal place. …”
Aljazeera
BBC: Ivorian attack looking potent
YouTube: IVORY COAST Vs BURKINA FASO 3-0 | Full Match Highlights

