Marrakech – Moroccan deputy Mohamed Ouzzine has formally requested that the Ministry of Education postpone Monday’s scheduled exams to allow students to watch Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal.
Ouzzine, secretary-general of the Popular Movement (MP) party and former Minister of Youth and Sports, addressed Education Minister Mohamed Saad Berrada in a written question flagging the exceptional nature of the continental showdown.
The deputy stressed that Sunday’s final at 8 p.m. will capture “the attention of all components of society, especially since the majority of young generations have never experienced a national sporting moment of such intensity.”
Morocco faces Senegal at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in what marks the Lions of the Atlas’ first AFCON final appearance since 2004. The match represents a historic opportunity for the host nation to claim their second continental title, having last triumphed in 1976.
Ouzzine argued that postponing the January 19 certificative exams would enable students to “share the celebration moments while giving them the necessary time to concentrate on their exams and prepare under good conditions.”
He hailed Morocco’s “historic journey” to the final and acknowledged the structural progress in Moroccan football, supported by modern infrastructure and long-term vision. Ouzzine noted that the competition transcends sports to represent a moment of national cohesion and collective pride.
A historic final
The request comes as Morocco braces for a historic final against the Teranga Lions, who edged Egypt 1-0 in Tuesday’s semifinal. The Atlas Lions booked their place in the decider after holding Nigeria to a goalless draw before prevailing 4-2 in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.
Sunday’s clash pits the continent’s top two FIFA-ranked nations against each other for the first time in AFCON history. Senegal, ranked second in Africa, seeks their second consecutive title, while top-ranked Morocco aims to end a 50-year continental drought.
The AFCON 2025 edition has already established itself as the most commercially successful in tournament history, generating over 90% revenue increase compared to previous editions. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) reported sponsorship growth from nine partners in 2021 to 23 for the Moroccan edition.
Minister Berrada has not yet responded to Ouzzine’s postponement request. The final kicks off at 8 p.m. on Sunday, with millions of Moroccan students among the expected massive television audience.
Read also: More Than a Game: How AFCON Reflects Africa’s Identity