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AFCON 2025 Shocker: CAF Unveils Game-Changing Official Match Ball!

Published 3 hours ago2 minute read
Uche Emeka
Uche Emeka
AFCON 2025 Shocker: CAF Unveils Game-Changing Official Match Ball!

PUMA, in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has officially unveiled ITRI, the revolutionary official match ball for the upcoming TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco. The newly revealed ball is a seamless blend of deep African culture, Moroccan heritage, and cutting-edge football innovation, a true embodiment of the continent’s premier sporting event.

The name “ITRI”, meaning “star” in tribute to the Moroccan flag’s emblem, symbolizes the host nation’s enduring legacy of excellence and unity. The ball’s design takes inspiration from Morocco’s historic zellij art form, known for its intricate geometric mosaics and symmetrical elegance. By weaving this centuries-old craft into the ball’s aesthetic, ITRI stands as a fusion of artistry and sport, a cultural statement wrapped in athletic precision.

Every aspect of ITRI carries symbolic depth. The star motifs represent ambition and excellence, mirroring the dreams of the 24 nations set to compete for glory. The petal patterns signify growth and celebration, reflecting Africa’s vibrant football evolution, while the ball’s circular symmetry captures the shared unity and passion binding the continent together through the game.

Technologically, ITRI is built on PUMA’s Orbita 6 platform, the same system trusted by professional leagues worldwide. This state-of-the-art construction guarantees aerodynamic accuracy, superior control, and exceptional durability, ensuring consistency throughout the tournament’s high-stakes matches.

The creation of ITRI was guided by a deep cultural collaboration between CAF’s design team, led by Mohamed Ghonemi, and PUMA’s global innovation lab. Their partnership combined extensive cultural research with advanced engineering, producing a match ball that performs flawlessly while celebrating the identity and pride of African football.

Featuring Morocco’s iconic red and green palette, the ITRI AFCON 2025 ball serves as a radiant symbol of passion, unity, and hope. Priced at €130 (≈ ₦210,000), it will be available for purchase in select markets, offering fans and collectors alike the chance to own a tangible piece of football history.

The ITRI ball will make its official debut when AFCON 2025 kicks off on December 21, 2025, in Morocco. The host nation will face Comoros in the opening match, marking the first competitive use of ITRI under the dazzling lights of the African football stage.

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