The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), in partnership with global sportswear giant PUMA, has officially unveiled the ITRI, the new match ball that will headline the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

Named ITRI, the ball captures the essence of Morocco’s centuries-old zellij artistry, the intricate geometric mosaics that define Moroccan architecture, while embodying the unity and passion that drive African football across the continent.

According to CAF, the name “ITRI” pays homage to the star featured on Morocco’s national flag and mirrors the iconic star motifs central to traditional zellij craftsmanship.

PUMA launched the ball through a sleek reveal video, marking a significant step toward the much-anticipated tournament.

The ITRI will officially debut in the opening match of AFCON 2025.

A Ball Born of Art, Culture, and Connection

The ITRI’s design features bold zellij patterns, star geometries symbolising ambition and excellence, petal shapes representing celebration and growth, and circular symmetry that echoes the unity of 24 nations coming together for the continental showpiece.

The ball’s red and green palette captures Morocco’s national identity, while its “Flow of Movement” patterns reflect the rhythm and flair synonymous with African football.

Mohamed Ghonemi, CAF’s Creative Development Manager, described the creation as a project deeply rooted in the spirit of the continent.

“Created for the rhythm of African football, the AFCON 2025 ball brings together art, motion, and a design shaped by African spirit and Moroccan craftsmanship,” said Mohamed.

“It’s been a privilege to collaborate with PUMA on something that unites every nation at the tournament through a shared sense of connection,” he added.

Also Read: Kenya’s Whistle Masters: Meet The Four Referees Flying The Flag At AFCON 2025

From Tradition to Innovation

The design journey began soon after Morocco was confirmed as the 2025 host, involving months of cultural research, creative exploration, and advanced performance testing.

CAF’s creative development team worked closely with PUMA’s global design experts to merge authentic Moroccan artistry with top-tier athletic innovation.

Built using PUMA’s Orbita 6 technology, the ITRI promises elite-level performance, combining precision, durability, and aerodynamic consistency, a balance between heritage and modern engineering.

Peter Dangl, PUMA’s Director of EEMEA Distribution, highlighted the partnership’s meaning: “We’re proud to unveil the ITRI ball, the official match ball of AFCON 2025 and a true symbol of African football’s spirit,” Peter said.

“Combining Moroccan artistry with advanced performance technology, ITRI celebrates both the host nation’s heritage and the unity of the continent,” Peter added.

“Our collaboration with CAF reflects PUMA’s lasting commitment to African football and the communities that bring it to life,” he concluded.

Also Read: CAF Announces AFCON Morocco 2025 Ticket Sale

Mohamed Ghonemi: The Mind Behind CAF’s Visual Identity

Ghonemi, a seasoned creative professional, has been at CAF for over four years, currently serving as Creative Development Manager since September 2022.

Before that, he worked as a Graphics Design Consultant for the confederation, where he enhanced CAF’s visual identity and guided brand design strategy.

He previously served as a Creative/Art Director at Footballco and Art Director at Kijamii, overseeing sports media campaigns, content design, and branding strategies.

Earlier in his career, he worked as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator at Zamalek Sporting Club and as a Social Media Specialist at Sarmady, a Vodafone Company.

Ghonemi holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering from Cairo Academy (2009–2014) and is certified in Professional Sport Management and Sport Event Management by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), both awarded in 2025.

Countdown to AFCON 2025

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 kicks off on December 21, 2025, bringing together the continent’s top footballing nations for Africa’s most prestigious tournament.

The official ITRI match ball is now available in select markets for €130.00,(19,446.70Kenyan Shilling) with additional details available at www.puma.com and the official tournament website www.cafonline.com.

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CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo. PHOTO/ CAF