The countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has begun, as 24 of the continent’s finest national teams prepare to descend upon Morocco for a festival of football. As hosts, Morocco will be aiming to leverage home advantage and a talented squad to claim their first AFCON title since 1976. However, a constellation of challengers lie in wait, each dreaming of continental glory.
The Favorites
Defending champions Ivory Coast will be eager to retain their hard-earned crown from 2024. Led by the effervescent Franck Kessié and a potent strike force, the Elephants have the pedigree to go far once more. Perennial contenders Egypt, inspired by the evergreen Mohamed Salah in likely his AFCON swansong, are always a force to be reckoned with.
Senegal, still smarting from a disappointing showing as holders in 2024, boast an enviable array of attacking talent headlined by Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr. The Lions of Teranga will be hungry to reclaim their place at Africa’s pinnacle.
This could be Mohamed Salah’s last Africa Cup of Nations hurrah given he’ll be 33 when the tournament kicks off.
The Chasing Pack
A cluster of contenders will fancy their chances of making deep runs in Morocco. Algeria, rejuvenated under Vladimir Petkovic, cruised through qualifying and in Riyad Mahrez possess a player capable of pure magic. Ambitious Nigeria, despite being under new management, are spearheaded by the prolific Victor Osimhen and reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman.
Accomplished sides like Cameroon, Mali, and Burkina Faso have the talent to trouble anyone on their day. Unpredictable DR Congo remain an enigma but are not to be underestimated with their array of Europe-based stars.
Potential Surprises
The beauty of AFCON lies in its capacity for shocks. Plucky South Africa stunned onlookers by reaching the last four in 2024. Driven by the irrepressible Teboho Mokoena, could Bafana Bafana spring another surprise?
- Equatorial Guinea have made a habit of punching above their weight in recent editions
- Unfancied Comoros will draw belief from their quarterfinal run in Cameroon
- Angola enjoyed a meteoric rise up the FIFA rankings in 2024 built on some headline-grabbing results
At the other end of the spectrum, former giants like Tunisia and Ghana have endured lean AFCON spells of late. Could Morocco 2025 herald a welcome renaissance for these sleeping titans of African football?
Players to Watch
A tournament of AFCON’s prestige guarantees a galaxy of stars, both established and emerging. Beyond the household names of Salah, Mahrez and Mané, here are some players poised to illuminate Morocco 2025:
- Sébastien Haller (Ivory Coast): The Ajax marksman has been a revelation since returning from illness
- Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia): The Manchester United starlet is a rare creative spark for the transitioning Eagles of Carthage
- Mohammed Kudus (Ghana): Fresh from a breakout season with Ajax, the versatile attacker has the world at his feet
With the tantalizing prospect of surprise packages, redemption arcs and new stars being born, AFCON 2025 has all the ingredients to be a tournament for the ages. Roll on January 2025 – Africa’s greatest footballing jamboree awaits!
