Hakimi-led hosts Morocco emerge as frontrunners for 2025 AFCON triumph
Morocco boasts home soil advantage, boasts a squad with a world record streak of 18 straight international victories, and features a motivational leader in Achraf Hakimi as they chase glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Anticipation runs high across the kingdom for the Atlas Lions to claim the continents most coveted football prize for just the second occasion on January 18, marking 50 years since their previous success.
However, determined defending champions Ivory Coast, Egypt under Mohamed Salahs guidance, Nigeria powered by Victor Osimhen, and Senegal guided by Sadio Mane represent key rivals poised to disrupt Moroccos aspirations.
AFP Sport examines Africas flagship sporting spectacle, tracing its origins from a modest 1957 launch to the 2025 edition poised to captivate worldwide television viewers starting with the opener on December 21.
Background
The inaugural 1957 AFCON involved only hosts Sudan, winners Egypt, and Ethiopia following South Africas disqualification over plans to compete with either an all white or all black lineup. Over the years, the qualifying spots grew steadily, reaching six teams by 1963, eight in 1968, 12 from 1992, 16 starting 1996, and culminating in Egypts hosting of the debut 24 team format in 2019.
Giants
Egypt leads with seven titles, followed by Cameroon on five, Ghana with four, and both Ivory Coast and Nigeria holding three apiece, collectively claiming 22 of the 34 editions. Icons such as goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, defender Wael Gomaa, and midfield talents Mohamed Aboutreika and Mohamed Barakat propelled Egypt to an unprecedented hat trick of finals triumphs from 2006 through 2010.
Absentees
Both Ghana and Cape Verde, qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, stand out as major omissions from the Moroccan AFCON following underwhelming qualification efforts. Cape Verde secured a single win across six fixtures, while four time champions Ghana struggled further with three draws and three defeats.
Favourites
Morocco positions as the squad to surpass while aiming to halt recent underwhelming outings. Tipped for victory in last years Ivory Coast tournament, they bowed out in the last 16 via a 2 0 defeat to South Africa. Amongst rivals, Nigeria and Cameroon nurse wounds from missing 2026 World Cup qualification, Egypt chases an end to a 15 year African drought, and Senegal aims for atonement after a subpar 2024 showing.
Dark horses
Among the 12 nations yet to claim AFCON honours, Mali emerges as a serious contender following their unlucky quarter final defeat to Ivory Coast last year. We hold respect for all opponents yet fear none, with our goal to endure until the finals, states Tom Saintfiet, the Belgian tactician steering the Eagles.
Stars
Morocco manager Walid Regragui expresses confidence in skipper and full back Hakimis recovery from an ankle strain, noting we anticipate his readiness for the opener versus Comoros. From the 10 nominees for the 2025 African footballer of the year accolade, which Hakimi claimed, eight should feature in Morocco. Cameroons Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa sits sidelined by injury, and Serhou Guirassy sits out as Guinea failed to advance.
Build-up
A FIFA ruling shifting the release timeline for African players at European outfits from December 8 to 15 disrupted numerous managers, forcing major adjustments to schedules. FIFA shows interest in Africa mainly during voting periods, yet undervalues our key events like AFCON and denies them proper acclaim, remarked France born Angola boss Patrice Beaumelle.
Profit
Senegal claimed the 2022 AFCON crown in Cameroon, yielding the Confederation of African Football a modest gain under $10 million. By contrast, the 2025 Moroccan staging promises the Cairo headquartered body a projected excess of $110 million, driven by soaring television broadcast earnings.
Support
A recurring issue across multiple AFCONs remains low turnouts for fixtures excluding the hosts, fostering a misleading view of limited enthusiasm. The 2024 Ivory Coast event saw marked progress in crowds, and Moroccan authorities aim to draw thousands of locals to venues for all 36 group stage contests plus 16 knockout clashes.
Security
During a recent CAF Champions League clash pitting local side FAR Rabat against Egypts Al Ahly, sharp items were hurled onto the field, issuing a stark alert to Moroccan safety personnel. Fan aggression towards away sides sparking object barrages, biased referees permitting capacity overruns, and inadequate spectator management persist as challenges in African football.