Morocco Deputy Asks to Postpone Exams for Soccer Final

Sometimes the biggest moments in sports become bigger than the game itself. Moroccan deputy Mohamed Ouzzine just asked the Ministry of Education to postpone Monday's exams, arguing that Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final deserves every student's full attention.

Ouzzine, who once served as Minister of Youth and Sports, sent a written request to Education Minister Mohamed Saad Berrada highlighting the exceptional nature of the match. Morocco will face Senegal at 8 p.m. Sunday in Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium for their first AFCON final appearance since 2004.

The deputy emphasized that most young Moroccans have never experienced a national sporting moment of this magnitude. He argued that moving the certificative exams scheduled for January 19 would let students celebrate together while giving them better conditions to prepare and concentrate on their tests afterward.

Morocco earned their spot in the final after a tense semifinal against Nigeria that ended scoreless, with the Atlas Lions prevailing 4-2 in a penalty shootout. Senegal advanced with a 1-0 victory over Egypt, setting up a historic clash between Africa's top two FIFA-ranked nations.

The match carries enormous significance for Morocco. The host nation last won the continental title in 1976, nearly 50 years ago, and now has a chance to claim their second championship on home soil.

Why This Inspires

Ouzzine's request recognizes something powerful: sports can unite an entire generation in shared hope and national pride. Rather than forcing students to choose between academic obligations and a once-in-a-lifetime moment, his proposal suggests they deserve both.

The tournament itself reflects Morocco's growing prominence, having already become the most commercially successful AFCON in history with a 90% revenue increase over previous editions. Sponsorship partnerships jumped from nine in 2021 to 23 for this Moroccan edition, showing the continent's rising sports profile.

Minister Berrada hasn't yet responded to the postponement request. Millions of Moroccan students will be among the massive television audience Sunday night, exam schedule or not, as their nation competes for continental glory.