A historic moment for Moroccan football has led the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports to postpone nationwide exams originally scheduled for Monday, January 19. The decision, announced in a press release on Friday, allows students to watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal in peace of mind.

“The measure takes into account the overlap between the exams and the AFCON final (…) and the strong interest this continental sporting event generates among students, families, and the entire Moroccan population,” the ministry explained. Exams will now take place 48 hours later, on Tuesday, January 20 and Wednesday, January 21, giving students extra time to prepare.

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed Ouzzine had advocated for the decision, noting the widespread enthusiasm for the national team and highlighting that many young Moroccans have never experienced a national sporting event of this intensity. The AFCON final, Morocco’s first since a 2004 defeat to Tunisia, promises a unique atmosphere, especially at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, where remaining tickets are being sold at a premium.

The ministry emphasized that the move reflects its ongoing commitment to balance academic priorities with the special circumstances of major national events. For students, the slight postponement may even offer an opportunity for extra revision before sitting their exams.