Marrakech City Guide: Bafana Bafana’s Home at AFCON 2025

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Nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech, the famous “Red City” with its ochre-hued walls, is where Bafana Bafana will be based during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. This vibrant city, home to over one million people, blends centuries of history with modern energy, making it the perfect backdrop for South Africa’s AFCON journey.

Once an imperial capital for nearly 350 years under the Almoravid, Almohad, and Saadian dynasties, Marrakech boasts an extraordinary heritage, highlighted by its 600-hectare medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it’s Morocco’s tourism capital, offering sunny skies, modern infrastructure, and warm hospitality—all waiting for Bafana fans.

📅 Bafana Fixtures at Grand Stade de Marrakech

Stadium Capacity: 45,240

  • 22 December – South Africa 🇿🇦 vs Angola 🇦🇴 (Group B, 18:00)
  • 29 December – Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 vs South Africa 🇿🇦 (Group B, 17:00)
20 12 2014 Marrakesh Morocco FIFA World Club Cup RealMadrid versus SanLorenzo Le Grand Stade De
Grand Stade De Marrakech 4 hours before the final game © IMAGO

⚽ Football Culture

Marrakech lives and breathes football. Its most iconic club, Kawkab de Marrakech, has left a lasting mark on Moroccan football. Other local teams Olympique, Mouloudia, Najm, and Ittifaq reflect the city’s deep passion for the sport.

🌍 Explore Marrakech Between Matches

  • Jemaa el-Fna Square – A UNESCO Intangible Heritage site buzzing with music, food, and storytellers.
  • Historic Landmarks – Bahia Palace, El Badiî Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa.
  • Green Escapes – Majorelle Garden, Menara Gardens, The Secret Garden.
  • Culture & Museums – Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Marrakech Museum, Dar Si Saïd Museum.

✈️ Travel Tips

  • Airport: Marrakech-Ménara International (2nd busiest in Morocco).
  • Transport: A3 highway links to Casablanca, Agadir, Essaouira. Modern train station connects to Rabat and Casablanca.

📞 Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 19 (landline) | 112 (mobile)
  • Ambulance / Fire Brigade: 15
  • Clinique Internationale: +212 524 44 44 44

Fan Tips

  • Arrive early at the stadium for security checks.
  • Carry cash for local markets and taxis.
  • Try local delicacies like tagine and mint tea!
<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.