Morocco has made history as the first team, other than the host nation, to touch down in Cote d’Ivoire for the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. 

The Atlas Lions arrived in Abidjan on Sunday, greeted with enthusiasm at Felix Houphouet Boigny Airport in a warm reception.

In a tweet from the team’s official handle on Sunday, it was stated, “Our #AtlasLions arrived safely to San Pedro.”

The squad, which reached the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, touched down at 2:00 PM local time, receiving a vibrant cultural welcome orchestrated by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFCON at Terminal 2. The event unfolded under tight security measures, ensuring a smooth arrival for Coach Walid Regragui’s team.

Members of the Moroccan community in Abidjan added to the welcoming party at the airport, showcasing their support for the arriving team.

The Atlas Lions, drawn in Group F alongside DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia, are considered strong contenders for victory in the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, given their impressive performance as semi-finalists in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.