RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Fans play a big role in the African Cup of Nations. Many people wear wigs, face paint, and costumes to support their home team. From Egyptian Pharaoh to Atlas Lion host country of Morocco. of knockout stage Africa’s biggest soccer tournament begins on Saturday.
This is a photo gallery carefully selected by AP photo editors.
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Moroccan fans wait for the start of the African Cup of Nations Group A soccer match between Zambia and Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Monday, December 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Moroccan fans wait for the start of the African Cup of Nations Group A soccer match between Zambia and Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Monday, December 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
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Senegalese fans cheer during the Africa Cup of Nations Group D soccer match between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday, December 27, 2025 in Tangier, Morocco. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Senegalese fans cheer during the Africa Cup of Nations Group D soccer match between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday, December 27, 2025 in Tangier, Morocco. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
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Fans wait for the start of the Africa Cup of Nations Group E match between Algeria and Sudan in Rabat, Morocco, Wednesday, December 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosaab Elshamy)
Fans wait for the start of the Africa Cup of Nations Group E match between Algeria and Sudan in Rabat, Morocco, Wednesday, December 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosaab Elshamy)
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Democratic Republic of the Congo fans cheer before the Africa Cup of Nations Group D soccer match between Botswana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Rabat, Morocco, Tuesday, December 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosaab Elshamy)
Democratic Republic of the Congo fans cheer before the Africa Cup of Nations Group D soccer match between Botswana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Rabat, Morocco, Tuesday, December 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosaab Elshamy)
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Moroccan fans wait for the start of the African Cup of Nations Group A soccer match between Zambia and Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Moroccan fans wait for the start of the African Cup of Nations Group A soccer match between Zambia and Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
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Senegalese fans cheer on their team during the Africa Cup of Nations Group D soccer match between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday, December 27, 2025 in Tangier, Morocco. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Senegalese fans cheer on their team during the Africa Cup of Nations Group D soccer match between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday, December 27, 2025 in Tangier, Morocco. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
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Malian soccer fans wait for the start of the African Cup of Nations Group A soccer match between Morocco and Mali in Rabat, Friday, December 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosaab Elshamy)
Malian soccer fans wait for the start of the African Cup of Nations Group A soccer match between Morocco and Mali in Rabat, Friday, December 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosaab Elshamy)
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Democratic Republic of the Congo fans cheer before the Africa Cup of Nations Group D soccer match between Botswana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Rabat, Morocco, Tuesday, December 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosaab Elshamy)
Democratic Republic of the Congo fans cheer before the Africa Cup of Nations Group D soccer match between Botswana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Rabat, Morocco, Tuesday, December 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosaab Elshamy)
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Ivorian fans during the African Cup of Nations Group F soccer match between Ivory Coast and Cameroon in Marrakech, Morocco, Sunday, December 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Ivorian fans during the African Cup of Nations Group F soccer match between Ivory Coast and Cameroon in Marrakech, Morocco, Sunday, December 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
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Democratic Republic of the Congo fans cheer before the Africa Cup of Nations Group D soccer match between Botswana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 in Rabat, Morocco. (AP Photo/Mosaab Elshamy)
Democratic Republic of the Congo fans cheer before the Africa Cup of Nations Group D soccer match between Botswana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 in Rabat, Morocco. (AP Photo/Mosaab Elshamy)
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Senegalese fans cheer on their national team during the Africa Cup of Nations Group D soccer match between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday, December 27, 2025 in Tangier, Morocco. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Senegalese fans cheer on their national team during the Africa Cup of Nations Group D soccer match between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday, December 27, 2025 in Tangier, Morocco. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
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Associated Press at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
