By Folayan Oluseye
Folayanseye@gmail.com
AFCON 2025 will be the 35th edition of the tournament and will take place in Morocco, with matches running from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
This will be the first time in 37 years that Morocco hosts the tournament, and the first time AFCON will be played over the Christmas / New Year period.
There will be 24 countries competing, divided into six groups of four. The top two from each group plus the four best third-placed teams will advance to the knockout stage (round of 16).
Venues are spread across several Moroccan cities, including the capital, major hubs like Casablanca, Rabat, and others.
With that structure, AFCON 2025 promises to deliver a full month of intense, high-stakes continental football.
Who are the favourites and why do they stand out
Based on recent analysis and form, these teams are considered top contenders for AFCON 2025:
Morocco national football team (hosts)
As hosts, Morocco enjoys home advantage — a big plus in a tournament where atmosphere and crowd support matter.
They field a highly talented squad, which gives them both depth and quality.
Many pundits and former stars pick them as outright favourites because of this combination.
Côte d’Ivoire national football team (Ivory Coast, defending champions)
They enter the tournament as the reigning champions are always a psychological advantage.
Their experience and cohesion, especially when it matters most in knockout phases, make them dangerous.
Nigeria national football team (Super Eagles)
According to players themselves, Nigeria believe they “have what it takes” to win.
They have attacking firepower and the motivation to go all the way, especially after coming close in previous editions.
Egypt national football team
Egypt remains one of the most decorated sides in AFCON history, with a rich winning tradition.
They always enter as serious contenders, thanks to their consistency and experience on the continental stage.
Senegal national football team & Algeria national football team
Both teams are often mentioned among the top challengers. Senegal has been praised for balance and consistency.
Algeria, with their technical skill and experience, are also considered dark horses capable of mounting a strong challenge.
Why is AFCON 2025 unpredictable
As noted by former coaches and analysts, continental tournaments like AFCON rarely go to script: “surprises always come.”
Even strong teams can stumble: form, injuries, pressure, and group-stage upsets — all can derail favourites.
So, while it’s easy to make predictions, AFCON almost always delivers unexpected twists — which is part of its enduring drama.
AFCON 2025 : WHAT TO EXPECT AND FAVOURITES
