With the countdown officially at 21 days, anticipation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is reaching fever pitch across the continent. Africa’s finest football talents are gearing up for the continent’s biggest sporting spectacle—and at the heart of the action will be the tournaments newly unveiled official match ball, ITRI, making its historic debut.
The ball will take centre stage on December 21, when hosts Morocco open the tournament against Comoros at 7 p.m. inside the electrifying Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
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That opening whistle will not only launch a month of top-tier African football but also usher ITRI into the global spotlight.
This edition of AFCON—running from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026—marks Morocco’s first time hosting in over 30 years.
Defending champions Ivory Coast return with swagger after their dramatic comeback victory over Nigeria in the 2024 final, while the Super Eagles arrive hungry to go one better.
A Cultural Masterpiece Meets Modern Engineering
Unveiled by CAF in partnership with global sportswear giants PUMA, ITRI blends the soul of Moroccan culture with the precision of cutting-edge sports technology.
Its name draws from “the star”—a symbol central to Morocco’s identity—echoing the star on the national flag and the intricate patterns of traditional zellij mosaic art.
Its design weaves together powerful continental themes:
Star geometry symbolising brilliance, ambition, and excellence
Floral petal motifs evoking celebration and growth
Circular symmetry representing unity among the 24 competing nations
Movement-inspired lines capturing the rhythm and flair of African football
Bold shades of red and green pay homage to Morocco while radiating passion, pride, and hope—unmistakably AFCON.
Crafted for Champions
Beyond its striking aesthetics, ITRI is built for high performance. Powered by PUMA’s advanced Orbita 6 technology, the ball guarantees exceptional flight stability, accuracy, and durability.
Months of cultural research, engineering refinement, and on-field testing went into crafting a match ball that merges world-class performance with authentic African craftsmanship.
PUMA’s Director of EEMEA Distribution, Peter Dangl, hailed ITRI as “a true symbol of African football’s spirit”, celebrating its seamless fusion of heritage and innovation.
The Final Countdown Begins
As excitement spreads across Africa, all eyes now turn to Rabat. On opening night, when Morocco and Comoros step onto the pitch, ITRI will begin its journey—spinning through unforgettable moments, dramatic goals, and the passion that defines African football.
Brilliant in design and bold in purpose, ITRI stands ready to write its own chapter in the story of AFCON 2025.
