Rabat – Ahead of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) today dedicated a report to Morocco’s sports infrastructures.
The documentary, which is available on BBC Sport Africa’s social networks, was presented by journalist Ian Williams during a visit to the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamora, a facility that the presenter finds impressive.
“It is the home of Morocco’s international football teams. Both juniors and seniors, men’s and women, an impressive facility,” said the BBC journalist, before presenting the Atlas Lions’ luxury hotel.
The construction of this over 300,000-square-meter complex cost about $65 million, with Morocco’s King Mohammed VI contributing personally, Williams detailed.
The complex boasts eight training pitches including an indoor one, a pitch for the beach football, a futsal pitch, two tennis courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a gym, and state-of-the-art medical facilities.
The football complex opened in 2019, and various clubs have chosen to train there, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Big names like Sadio Mane and Arsene Wenger have also been impressed by the center.
In the BBC documentary, Williams also highlighted the ecological approach of the designers of this immense sports complex, which runs on 65% green energy. “But can it power the Atlas Lions to what would be just a second Nations Cup success when the tournament begins in Ivory Coast?” the BBC journalist concluded.
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In the wake of Morocco’s epic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, many observers, including BBC Sport Africa, have touted the Atlas Lions as the favorite to clinch this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Senegal, the defending champions, are also among the favorites to win a second title thanks to their strong presence in every continental competition in recent years.
Host nation Côte d’Ivoire is also expected to deliver a spectacular performance at the continental showpiece, with Ivorian players repeatedly vowing that they “will do everything to win this cup on home soil.”
