- In this piece, the SportPesa Blog highlights the five AFCON 2025 powerhouses to watch.
- The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) kicks off on Sunday, December 21, and concludes on January 18, 2026, in Morocco.
- Without doubt, Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ivory Coast rank among the top sides to watch at this 35th edition of the tournament in Morocco.
The stage is set for the premier continental showpiece, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), which kicks off on Sunday, December 21, and culminates on January 18, 2026, in Morocco.
Originally scheduled for June–July 2025, the tournament- featuring 24 men’s national teams from Africa, was rescheduled after FIFA introduced its expanded 32-team Club World Cup.
This shift means the competition will, for the first time, take place across the Christmas and New Year period, which also marks Morocco’s second time hosting the event, having last staged it in 1988.
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The 35th edition of the biennial tournament will be held across nine venues in six cities the most ever for an AFCON with four of which are located in the country’s capital, Rabat.
The host Atlas Lions will raise the curtain on the group stage matches on Sunday, December 21, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where they will face Comoros at 10:00 PM EAT / 8:00 PM local time.
In this piece, the SportPesa Blog highlights the top five teams poised to make headlines in AFCON 2025.
Five AFCON 2025 powerhouses to watch in Morocco
Morocco – The Atlas Lions
Whether by fortune or misfortune, the hosts enter this tournament as favorites to claim the title, judging by their form in recent years.
Since finishing fourth in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the North Africans have been a formidable force, combining tactical discipline, physical dominance, and elite-level experience, with a squad featuring players competing at the highest level in Europe.
Recently, another Moroccan team- though not part of the AFCON squad, showcased their capability by coming from behind to win the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, defeating Jordan 3–2 in a thrilling final in Qatar, sealed in extra time by a decisive goal from Abderrazak Hamdallah.
Aside from Comoros, Walid Regragui’s side shares Group A with Mali and Zambia- a pool that appears to be a manageable challenge for them to advance, given their superior squad depth.
ALSO READ: Morocco vs Comoros Prediction: AFCON 25 Preview, Team News, Key Stats & H2H
Nigeria: The Super Eagles
The three-time champions have had their preparation disrupted by off-field issues, including a dispute between players and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over unpaid bonuses, resolved in November.
However, that does not rule them out as serious contenders.
With sensational Victor Osimhen as the focal point and a roster packed with athleticism and attacking power, the Super Eagles possess more individual match-winners than many rivals.
Under Eric Chelle, they are placed in Group C alongside two East African nations, Uganda and Tanzania, as well as Tunisia, who are also favorites in the group.
Egypt – The Pharaohs
The Pharaohs are the most successful team in AFCON history, with seven titles. Their last triumph was in 2010.
Though possibly placed in a “group of death,” the Egyptians remain a formidable side set to make waves as they take on South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe in a tense Pool B.
Under Hossam Hassan, they remain the most likely to go all through at least in the semis, largely because AFCON history consistently favors teams that know how to manage tournament pressure.
With Liverpool’s sensational attacker Mohamed Salah leading the line and a squad accustomed to deep runs, the Pharaohs have the pedigree to navigate tight group matches.
Ivory Coast – Les Elephants
As reigning champions, they bring confidence, attacking depth, and a proven ability to overcome pressure while also entering with momentum after securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cote d’Ivoire were not flawless from start to finish at the last AFCON, but they were ruthlessly effective when it mattered.
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A squad brimming with talent, including Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, will be difficult to stop.
Emerse Fae, the caretaker coach who led the team to glory last time, now presides over a side in transition between generations- yet one that remains among the strongest in the tournament on paper.
In the group stage, they will face formidable opponents Gabon and Cameroon, with Mozambique also in the mix.
Senegal – The Lions of Teranga
Senegal enter this tournament among the strong favorites, thanks to their blend of physicality, tactical organization, and experience in major tournaments.
Even after coaching changes, the core of this squad remains intact, with depth across all lines.
While stalwarts like Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly are still involved, talents such as Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr are reaching their peak and ready to lead.
The AFCON 2021 winners (in a tournament held belatedly in 2022) are at a key transition point but should certainly not be counted out.
They are placed in Group D, where they will face DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana.
Other teams that cannot be ruled out
Given the depth and physicality of the squads mentioned above, these are the primary teams to watch but others cannot be overlooked.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, for instance, could be a surprise package in this tournament.
Another potential dark horse is DR Congo, who will bring competitiveness and also boast considerable squad depth.
Algeria, too, cannot be dismissed and are strong candidates to at least reach the quarterfinals, given the quality and depth of their roster.