Morocco's AFCON Final Ball Features Gold and Zellige Art

When Morocco and Senegal step onto the pitch Sunday in Rabat, they'll compete for African football glory with a match ball that's as meaningful as the trophy itself.

The African Football Confederation and PUMA just unveiled a special edition of the ITRI match ball designed exclusively for the AFCON 2025 final. The ball features striking gold accents honoring both finalist teams, a dramatic upgrade from the standard red and green tournament ball.

The name ITRI means "star" in Morocco's Amazigh language, and the design lives up to its name. Intricate zellige geometric patterns cover the ball's surface, showcasing the traditional Moroccan tilework that has adorned the country's buildings and art for centuries.

These aren't just decorative flourishes. The central star outlines and circular symmetry represent a powerful celebration of Moroccan heritage on African football's biggest stage.

Sunday's final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium carries enormous weight for both nations. Morocco is chasing only its second AFCON title since 1976, while Senegal hopes to recapture the magic of their 2021 championship victory.

Why This Inspires

This commemorative ball represents something bigger than a single match. By incorporating traditional zellige patterns into modern sports equipment, PUMA and CAF are showing that honoring cultural heritage and embracing innovation aren't opposing forces.

The ball uses PUMA's advanced Orbita 6 technology, meaning it meets every performance standard required for elite competition while serving as a canvas for centuries-old artistic traditions. Ancient craftsmanship and modern engineering work together beautifully.

The tournament has already set new commercial benchmarks for African football, and this special ball adds another layer of significance. It's a reminder that sports can celebrate cultural identity while pushing technical boundaries.

When the referee blows the whistle Sunday, players will compete with equipment that honors where they come from while representing where African football is headed.