CAF, PUMA Unveil Gold-Accented AFCON Final Match Ball Ahead of Morocco-Senegal Decider
The Confédération Africaine de Football and its technical partner PUMA have introduced a special commemorative edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 official match ball ahead of Sunday’s final in Rabat.
The specially designed ball will be used when hosts Morocco face Senegal at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in what promises to be a historic encounter, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 local time, 19:00 GMT. The winner will be crowned continental champions and lift the prestigious trophy.
According to information published on CAF’s official website on Friday, the finalists will compete with a unique version of the tournament’s official match ball, ITRI, which has been enhanced with gold accents as a tribute to both teams reaching the final.
The ITRI ball has been the official match ball throughout the competition, serving every fixture from the group stages through to the semi-finals. Its design draws deeply from Morocco’s rich cultural heritage, featuring intricate patterns inspired by traditional Moroccan zellij, a distinctive form of mosaic tilework that has adorned Moroccan architecture for centuries.
The ball’s aesthetic incorporates central star geometry, floral petal outlines, and circular symmetry, all elements rooted in the geometric artistry that defines zellij craftsmanship. These design choices represent a deliberate fusion of cultural celebration and modern sporting equipment.
Beyond its visual appeal, the ITRI ball is built on PUMA’s advanced Orbita 6 technology, a platform developed to meet the rigorous performance standards demanded at elite-level international competition. The technology ensures optimal flight stability, durability, and consistency, critical factors in high-stakes tournament football.
“Built on PUMA’s advanced Orbita 6 technology, the ball combines heritage with innovation, meeting the performance standards required for elite-level competition while celebrating African culture,” the statement from CAF’s website read.
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The unveiling of the commemorative final ball is part of a broader partnership between CAF and PUMA, which has seen the sportswear giant serve as the technical partner for the Africa Cup of Nations. Earlier in the tournament cycle, CAF and PUMA had jointly unveiled the standard version of the ITRI ball as the official match ball for the competition.
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has been marked by high-scoring matches and competitive football across all stages. By the time the final whistle blows on Sunday, a new champion will emerge, adding another chapter to the storied history of African football’s most prestigious competition.
Sunday’s final represents a significant moment for both nations. Morocco, competing on home soil, will be seeking to capitalise on the advantage of playing before their own supporters, while Senegal, the defending champions, will aim to retain their title and further cement their place among the continent’s football elite.