France, Dec. 22 -- Prince among players

Less than four months after officially inaugurating the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Crown Prince Moulay Hassanwas back at the venue to lend royal lustre to the opening match at the 2025 Cup of Nationsbetween Morocco and Comoros. And work on his common touch. The heir to the throne forewent the rigmarole of a lackey holding an umbrella over his head to get down and rained upon among some of the Moroccans he will one day reign over. At the end of the on-the-pitch handshakes, smiles and formalities, the 22-year-old posed for a picture with both teams. And then the players' prince left them to it.

Onwards without the usual skipper

Once back up in the VVVV best seats in the VVVV top suite...