The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 is gearing up to be the most thrilling edition of the tournament yet. Kicking off on December 21, 2025, this football spectacle will bring together 24 of Africa’s best teams, all vying for the prestigious title.
For the first time since 1988, Morocco will host AFCON, providing a footballing experience like no other across six vibrant cities. The opening match, featuring Morocco against Comoros at the newly built Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, will set the tone for what promises to be a month of intense football, raw passion, and legendary moments.
Why AFCON 2025 is Poised to Be Different
African football has undergone a dramatic shift in competitiveness over the last decade. Gone are the days when a handful of teams dominated the tournament. Instead, AFCON is now a battlefield where former underdogs routinely challenge and defeat traditional giants. Several key factors make the AFCON 2025 unique:
1. Unpredictable Competition Like Never Before
The days of easy runs for the so-called “big teams” are long gone. The last few AFCON editions have proven that the gap between Africa’s powerhouses and emerging nations is shrinking. Consider Comoros’ shock win over Ghana in AFCON 2021, or how Equatorial Guinea stunned Mali to reach the quarterfinals. The balance of power is shifting, and no team is safe from an upset. Basically, the era of invincibility is over and AFCON 2025 will show that.
2. Fierce Rivalries Rekindled
Nigeria vs. Senegal: This is shaping up to be one of Africa’s greatest rivalries. The Super Eagles and Lions of Teranga have clashed on multiple occasions, from AFCON 2000 to recent World Cup qualifiers. With both teams boasting Europe-based stars, a potential encounter could be an instant classic.
Egypt vs. South Africa: A long-standing rivalry fueled by historic AFCON clashes. South Africa eliminated Egypt on their home soil in AFCON 2019, a defeat that still stings for Egyptian fans.
Morocco vs. Algeria: Two North African giants with a fierce footballing history. If they meet in the knockout stages, expect one of the most heated matches of the tournament. However, there have been talks in the media about Algeria withdrawing from the tournament, although they are just rumours at this point.
3. Morocco’s Home Advantage, a World Class Setup and North African Dominance:
Hosting a major tournament is always an advantage, but Morocco’s home advantage is even stronger this year. Their golden generation, which reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals, will have the full support of their passionate fans. With six world-class stadiums ready for the AFCON 2025, Morocco aims to showcase Africa’s ability to host a global football spectacle. Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia have long been known for their tactical discipline and homegrown talents, and playing in Moroccan conditions could give these teams an edge.
4. Tactical Evolution of African Teams
Gone are the days when African football was only about raw physicality. Coaches from across the continent are now bringing European-style tactical discipline while maintaining the traditional African flair. Defensive structures are tighter, midfield battles are more intense, and attacking movements are more sophisticated. This means every game will be a chess match where strategy matters as much as talent.
Group Stage Battles: Key Clashes and Predictions
With six groups of four teams, the group stage is where legends are made and dreams are shattered. Here’s what to expect:
Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Morocco, as hosts, will look to dominate with the backing of their fans. Mali’s young, dynamic squad is one to watch, having consistently reached AFCON knockouts in recent years. Zambia, the 2012 AFCON champions, are looking to return to their former glory.
Comoros, despite being underdogs, have proven they can cause upsets, as seen in AFCON 2021.
Prediction: Morocco and Mali to qualify, but Zambia and Comoros could spring surprises.
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, will be favorites, but they must avoid complacency.
South Africa, a team known for frustrating top sides, will be a serious challenger. Angola and Zimbabwe have nothing to lose and will fight to seize every opportunity.
Prediction: Egypt tops the group, while South Africa and Angola battle for second place.
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Nigeria’s attacking firepower makes them favorites, but Tunisia’s tactical discipline could cause problems.
Nigeria vs. Tunisia will be a classic battle of attack vs. defense, with Uganda and Tanzania looking to spring surprises.
Prediction: Nigeria and Tunisia advance, but Uganda could be a dark horse.
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Senegal, the defending champions, are loaded with quality players. DR Congo is known for its physical and aggressive playing style, which makes them dangerous. Benin and Botswana will look to prove doubters wrong.
Prediction: Senegal should qualify, but DR Congo will make it tough for everyone.
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Algeria aims for redemption after disappointing in AFCON 2021 and 2023. Burkina Faso has been a consistent AFCON performer in recent years. Equatorial Guinea is a giant killer and should not be underestimated.
Prediction: Algeria and Burkina Faso advance, but Equatorial Guinea might shock the group.
Group F: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon are two of Africa’s biggest football nations, making this the “Group of Death.” Gabon, however, will not want to go down without a fight.
Prediction: Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon are favorites, but Gabon could spoil the party.
Stars to Watch in AFCON 2025
Every AFCON produces new legends, but some players are expected to dominate the headlines this year:
Mohamed Salah (Egypt): The Liverpool superstar is still chasing his first AFCON title, making this a personal mission. Also, winning this AFCON would help his Balon D’Or chances greatly.
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): One-time African Player of the Year and reigning African Player of the year, both of them among Europe’s deadliest strikers. The both of them would be willing replicate club success with country.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): One of the best right-backs in the world, playing on home soil.
Sadio Mané (Senegal): The heart and soul of Senegal, he’ll be crucial in their title defense.
Sébastien Haller (Côte d’Ivoire): A key man for the Elephants, with an eye for crucial goals.
André Onana (Cameroon): One of the best goalkeepers in the world when he is in form, his shot-stopping could win Cameroon crucial games, if he can replicate his form at Ajax.
Youssouf Fofana (Mali): One of Africa’s best midfielders, he’ll be key to Mali’s success.
Who Will Lift the AFCON 2025
While Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, and Egypt are favorites, AFCON has always been unpredictable. Will an underdog like Burkina Faso or Equatorial Guinea shock the world? A Cinderella story could emerge, an underdog could rise, and new heroes could be made. Or will a giant return to dominance?
One thing is certain though, AFCON 2025 will be a tournament for the ages.
Get Ready for the Battle of Kings!
With the stage set, rivalries renewed, and stakes higher than ever, Africa’s best teams are ready to write history once again. Who do you think will lift the trophy? Drop your predictions in the comments!
