The color revolution in Morocco…the African identity erased the monotony of sports suits

Before the starting whistle for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco sounded, and before the tactical plans for the tournament were drawn up in the locker rooms, the African continent raised its first cry in the Moroccan stadiums; A cry that did not come through goals, but through colors, fabrics, and pride in identity. With the influx of sports delegations to participate in the continental championship, airport lounges and hotel entrances turned into spontaneous “display platforms” for African identity, reminding the world why this tournament remains a single fabric that is unlike any other sporting event on planet Earth.

At a time when teams in other major tournaments choose to appear in uniform sports suits that hide the features of their identity behind the mask of silent “professionalism,” the African champions chose to look out at the world in their traditional clothes, transforming the global championship platform into a window overlooking history, heritage, and belonging. The matter here is not only about football, but about roots that extend deep into the earth.

Ain cannot miss the charming Malian presence, as the “Eagles” caught the attention the moment they arrived on Moroccan soil in the traditional “Bogoulan” costume. This fabric, hand-dyed with fermented earth clay, is not just a fabric, but a vessel of stories and resistance, historically worn by hunters and warriors. With Mali declaring 2025 the “Year of Culture,” the choice of this uniform came to confirm that football and heritage go hand in hand in the journey of Malian pride.

As usual, the “Eagles of Nigeria” imposed their presence with a dark green look that reflects the color of the national flag, in a unique blend of Yoruba and Northern designs, to send a message that Nigeria did not come to compete only, but to see it clearly as a confident cultural power. As for the “Lions of Teranga” of Senegal, they chose purity and sophistication in bright white “bubo” clothes embroidered with fine gold threads, in an appearance that reflects their football identity…discipline, respect and confidence. The quiet one.

Benin chose to appear in royal ceremonial gowns that reflect dignity and prestige. Burkina Faso presented the “abstaining plain” model with creamy white designs embroidered with golden touches that mimic the fashions of the African coast, so that their appearance reflected the calm and silent determination of a team that was focused and ready for confrontation.

In a mixture of authenticity and modernity, the Zimbabwean national team appeared in formal suits inlaid with national symbols, reflecting their desire to present themselves as an organized and modern team. As for the opening opponent, the Comoros national team, they appeared in clothes that reflected the mixing of Swahili, Arab and Insular influences, in an appearance overflowing with humility and unity, which are values ​​rooted in the culture of the Comoros.

When Morocco meets Comoros in the opening match tomorrow, Sunday, the ball will steal the spotlight, but the established fact is that Africa has already won before the starting whistle. It has won with the language of dress, color and confidence.

The official website of the Confederation of African Football commented on the noisy crowd atmosphere by emphasizing that the African Cup of Nations is not just a football league, but rather a celebration of identity in a world that tries to impose monotony, which explains why this tournament remains “different” always and forever.