After heated debates over player availability and tournament timing, attention now shifts to the pitch. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) kicks off in Morocco on Sunday.
On the surface, the biggest questions surround the host nation’s attempt to extend their world-record run of 18 consecutive wins and claim only their second title, and whether Mohamed Salah can finally lift the trophy with Egypt.
The 33-year-old forward has dominated headlines since 6 December, when he claimed Liverpool had “thrown him under the bus.” After returning from the bench at Anfield last Saturday, Salah now focuses on his fifth attempt to win Africa’s premier prize, having lost two finals previously.
Yet focusing solely on Salah and Morocco would overlook a tournament known for unpredictability. Ivory Coast stunned home fans in February last year despite sacking their coach mid-group stage, while Senegal showcased strong form with a win over England in June. Nigeria hope to improve on their 2023 performance, while Cameroon appears chaotic from the outside, both nations seeking redemption after missing the 2026 World Cup.
With seven different winners in the past eight editions, Morocco 2025 promises compelling drama as teams chase a trophy described by Benin’s assistant coach Tunde Adelakun as the “holy grail of African football.” Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat said the tournament’s challenge makes victory unforgettable for players and fans alike.
Morocco expects
The Atlas Lions enter as favourites, thanks to home advantage and their status as Africa’s top-ranked side since reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. Their record streak surpassed Spain’s 15 consecutive wins, though the only top-50 opponent they defeated was Tunisia, ranked 49th during Morocco’s 2-0 victory in June.
Coach Walid Regragui and his squad face pressure to improve on a last-16 exit in 2023. Tickets for home games sold out within hours, and fans hope to celebrate Morocco’s first Afcon trophy since 1976. Influential captain Achraf Hakimi races to regain fitness, but even in his absence, Morocco looks poised to reach the knockout stage.
Former Manchester United player Sofyan Amrabat called on players to match fan energy, emphasizing heart and intensity on the field. Morocco aims to combine passion and quality to advance deep into the tournament.
Earlier this year, protests by Gen Z criticized football infrastructure spending ahead of Morocco co-hosting the 2030 World Cup, while flash floods in Safi killed at least 37 people. Organizers aim to avoid disruptions as the country seeks to cement its position as Africa’s football leader.
complaints in build-up
Another mid-season Afcon has disrupted European clubs. The Confederation of African Football (Caf) faced few options after Fifa scheduled the expanded Club World Cup in June and July. Fifa allowed players to join national teams seven days before the tournament instead of the usual 14, causing chaos for some nations. Mali coach Tom Saintfiet called the decision “catastrophic” and demanded respect for African football.
Mali’s opening opponents, Comoros, had to cut training and cancel friendlies, affecting preparations against Morocco. Comoros coach Stefano Cusin criticized the late notice, noting it prevented alternative planning. Caf remains committed to holding Afcon every two years, as it generates vital revenue reinvested into African football development.
upheaval for Cameroon
South Africa fields a strong squad under Hugo Broos, who guided Cameroon to glory in 2017. Algeria boasts the African World Cup qualifying top scorer Mohamed Amoura, whose 10 goals make them strong contenders. Five-time champions Cameroon face turmoil, having dismissed coach Marc Brys while excluding goalkeeper Andre Onana and striker Vincent Aboubakar from the squad. New coach David Pagou said the team aims to adopt a new mindset despite the absence of key stars.
No debutants feature, though Sudan qualified despite playing all qualifiers away from home due to civil war. Botswana, Mozambique, and Tanzania seek their first Afcon wins and aim to reach the knockout stage, with Tanzania also preparing to co-host in 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda.
With 12 former champions competing, a first-time winner seems unlikely, yet the Africa Cup of Nations remains unpredictable, always capable of producing surprises.
