A Mali fan cheers before the Africa Cup of Nations best of 16 soccer match between Mali and Tunisia in Casablanca, Morocco, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Egypt fans support their team during the Africa Cup of Nations group B soccer match between Egypt and South Africa in Agadir, Morocco, Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
A Cameroon fan looks sceptical ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 soccer match between South Africa and Cameroon in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
A senegal fan cheers during the Africa Cup of Nations group D soccer match between Senegal and DR Congo in Tangier, Morocco, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Moroccan supporters react as they wait for the start of the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 soccer match between Morocco and Tanzania in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
A fan wats for the start of the Africa Cup of Nations group E soccer match between Algeria and Sudan in Rabat, Morocco, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, a DR Congo fan impersonating late Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, strikes a pose during the Africa Cup of Nations group D soccer match between Botswana and DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
A DR Congo fan cheers prior to the Africa Cup of Nations group D soccer match between Botswana and DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
A Mali fan cheers before the Africa Cup of Nations best of 16 soccer match between Mali and Tunisia in Casablanca, Morocco, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
South Africa fans celebrate ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 soccer match between South Africa and Cameroon in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Nigeria fans cheer before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal soccer match between Nigeria and Algeria, in Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
A fan cheers prior the Africa Cup of Nations best of 16 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in Marrakech, Morocco, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
A fan cheers prior the Africa Cup of Nations best of 16 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in Marrakech, Morocco, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Audio By Carbonatix
7:30 AM on Friday, January 2
By THEMBA HADEBE and MOSA'AB ELSHAMY
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Fans play a big part in the Africa Cup of Nations. Many wear wigs, face paints and costumes as they support their nation's team, from the Pharaohs of Egypt to the Atlas Lions of host Morocco. The knockout stage of Africa's biggest soccer tournament starts Saturday.
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Hugh Hewitt is one of the nation’s leading bloggers and a genuine media >>Hugh Hewitt is one of the nation’s leading bloggers and a genuine media revolutionary. He brings that expertise, his wit and what The New Yorker magazine calls his “amiable but relentless manner” to his nationally syndicated show . . . . <<
The Titans of Talk Radio The Voice to be Reckoned With “Political, Professional >>The Titans of Talk Radio The Voice to be Reckoned With “Political, Professional Wrestling at its Finest” Philosopher & Political Mad Scientist. Host of The American Adversaries Radio Show. Live Mon-Fri 5-7pm EST & Sundays 5-8pm on AM 950-FM 94.9 . . . <<
Larry Elder personifies the phrase “We’ve Got a Country to Save” The “Sage from >>Larry Elder personifies the phrase “We’ve Got a Country to Save” The “Sage from South Central” is back on the radio and TV! <<
Jennings is battle-tested on cable news, a veteran of four presidential >>Jennings is battle-tested on cable news, a veteran of four presidential campaigns, and a former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush. Now, he’s on a mission to arm listeners with common sense, crush liberal narratives, and help shape the . . . . <<
Salem Media, our partners, and affiliates use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, personalize site content, and deliver relevant video recommendations. By using this website and continuing to navigate, you consent to our use of such technologies and the sharing of video viewing activity with third-party partners in accordance with the Video Privacy Protection Act and other privacy laws.Privacy Policy
