Get ready for an epic battle as Africa's finest football nations gear up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations! The tournament, often a dramatic showcase of talent, has unfortunately taken a backseat to club concerns in Europe. But let's shift our focus to the real stars of the show - the players and their nations' hopes.
The 2023 edition, held in Ivory Coast, was a testament to the tournament's allure. Despite a late start due to weather, it delivered an unforgettable story as the hosts emerged victorious after a mid-tournament coaching change. Could the 2025 AFCON match this drama? Morocco, playing on home soil, certainly has the potential to emulate the Elephants' triumph.
As the tournament kicks off, all eyes will be on Mohamed Salah. His public spat with Liverpool's Arne Slot adds an intriguing layer to his quest for the trophy, having finished as a runner-up with Egypt in 2017 and 2021. But Salah isn't alone in his pursuit. Victor Osimhen, Nigeria's superstar, also seeks his first AFCON win, especially after the nation's shocking failure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup in North America.
The competition promises to be intense, with several teams capable of lifting the trophy. Let's dive into the teams and their prospects ahead of the tournament-opener between Morocco and Comoros in Rabat.
The Underdogs:
Botswana's presence in Morocco is monumental. Ranked 138th globally, they've only appeared once before, in 2012. Comoros, too, is preparing for its second AFCON, having surprisingly topped their qualifying group ahead of Tunisia. Tanzania, despite reaching the finals, faces a tough group with Nigeria, Tunisia, and Uganda. Mozambique, drawn against Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Gabon, also has a challenging road ahead.
Zimbabwe, despite qualifying comfortably, has since experienced a dramatic drop in form. Sudan, meanwhile, faces an even tougher situation, with its players deeply affected by the ongoing civil war back home.
Teams to Watch:
Equatorial Guinea, with four previous AFCON appearances, is making its third consecutive showing. However, their chances of replicating the 2015 fourth-place finish seem slim. Zambia, despite topping its AFCON qualifying group, will also face scrutiny.
Benin, lacking star power, narrowly missed the second round of CAF qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Angola, having finished first in its group without a single loss, and Uganda, with a solid defence, are other teams to keep an eye on.
Dark Horse Contenders:
Gabon, still reeling from missing out on the World Cup, qualified without much impressiveness. Burkina Faso, despite World Cup heartache, boasts an attacking trio of Betrand Traore, Dango Ouattara, and Lassina Traore, capable of causing upsets. Mali, with its quality midfield, should also be considered a dangerous opponent.
DR Congo, riding high after defeating Nigeria on penalties to reach the World Cup inter-confederation play-offs, is another team to watch. With players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Cedric Bakambu, they could put up a strong showing.
Wild Card Entries:
South Africa, the 1996 winners, is on an upward trajectory. Despite lacking big names, Coach Hugo Broos has a strong, united squad. Nigeria, on the other hand, failed to progress to the inter-confederation play-offs, but with a resolved bonus row, they remain a formidable force.
Ivory Coast, with players like Sebastien Haller and Wilfried Zaha, is another tough team to contain. Having qualified for the World Cup without a loss, they're optimistic about retaining their AFCON title.
Cameroon, in a state of shock after finishing second to Cape Verde in qualifying, will rely on players like Bryan Mbeumo. Tunisia, despite an embarrassing first-round exit last time, secured a World Cup spot without conceding a goal, making them a tricky opponent.
Main Challengers:
Algeria, having fallen at the first hurdle in AFCON 2023, is determined to make a stronger showing this time. Egypt, with seven AFCON titles, is also a force to be reckoned with, especially with Salah's motivation at an all-time high.
Senegal, with top talent like Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, is another strong contender. Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye, Bayern Munich's Nicolas Jackson, and Sadio Mane lead an attack that could prove decisive.
The Hosts and Favourites:
Morocco, the hosts, are the team to beat. With a history-making fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup, they're not just Africa's best but one of the world's finest. Captain Achraf Hakimi, returning from injury, leads a star-studded squad, and with an impressive record of no competitive home losses since 2009, they're poised to end their trophy drought.
"We embrace the pressure," stated Morocco coach Walid Regragui. "It's a responsibility we take with pride. The sacred union between the team and fans will be key. We're highly motivated and have everything we need for a successful tournament."
Morocco has all the ingredients for success, but as history shows, the Africa Cup of Nations is full of surprises. Who will lift the trophy? The answer awaits as the tournament unfolds!
