Hosts Morocco, with captain Achraf Hakimi, are tipped to win AFCON 2025, facing strong challenges from Ivory Coast, Egypt, Nigeria and Senegal
JOHANNESBURG: Morocco are the team to beat for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with home advantage, a world-record 18-match winning streak and inspirational captain Achraf Hakimi.
The Atlas Lions are expected to win the continent’s top prize for only the second time, 50 years after their first triumph.
Defending champions Ivory Coast, Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria and Sadio Mane’s Senegal are among the leading challengers.
The tournament begins on December 21 and is set for a huge global television audience.
Only Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia participated in the inaugural 1957 edition after South Africa’s disqualification.
The competition has since expanded from six teams in 1963 to the current 24-team format first used in 2019.
Egypt lead the all-time winners list with seven titles, followed by Cameroon with five and Ghana with four.
Ivory Coast and Nigeria have each won the tournament three times.
Notable absentees in Morocco include Ghana and Cape Verde, who both failed to qualify despite securing 2026 World Cup places.
Morocco are favourites to end a run of disappointing campaigns after a last-16 exit in the 2024 edition.
Nigeria and Cameroon will be highly motivated after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Egypt have not won the title since 2010, while Senegal are seeking redemption after a poor 2024 tournament.
Mali are considered dark horses after an unlucky quarter-final loss to Ivory Coast last year.
“We respect everyone, but fear no one,” said Mali coach Tom Saintfiet.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui is hopeful Hakimi will recover from an ankle sprain for their opening match against Comoros.
Eight of the ten players shortlisted for the 2025 African Player of the Year award are expected to feature.
A FIFA decision to change player release dates from December 8 to 15 has upset many coaches.
“FIFA only needs Africa during elections,” said Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle.
The Confederation of African Football forecasts a USD 110 million profit from the 2025 tournament, a massive increase from 2022.
Moroccan officials hope to attract large crowds for all 52 matches to combat historically poor attendances for non-host games.
Security remains a concern after objects were thrown onto the pitch during a recent CAF Champions League match in Rabat. – AFP
