Before every tournament, organisers always tell fans and media to expect “the best Afcon ever”.
While the jury remains out on that for now, Morocco 2025 is certainly making a strong case for being the wettest Afcon ever.
TV cameras have regularly picked up players’ shirts sticking to their skin in torrential downpours during a cold and rainy period in Morocco – in stark contrast to the tropical conditions that have often tested players at past tournaments.
Having enjoyed a short respite, the rain is forecast to return for all four days on which the last 16 ties will be played, testing the resolve of fans.
Stadiums have so far been far from full for matches not involving the hosts, but the quality of the facilities has been impressive, including the pitches which have soaked up the rain without a problem.
And while you cannot exactly call this Afcon a dry run, Morocco’s huge investment in renovating and building stadiums in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 Fifa World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal has definitely paid early dividends.