The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gets underway today, Sunday, December 21, in Morocco, marking a historic return of the continental showpiece to North African soil for the first time since 1988.
With festive-season football, packed stadiums and a galaxy of stars, Africa’s premier tournament promises drama from the very first whistle.
Host nation Morocco launches the competition against Comoros in the opening match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is set for 19:00 GMT (8:00 PM local time), with the Atlas Lions carrying the weight of expectation and national pride.
All 24 qualified nations have confirmed their final squads, coaches are in place, and Africa’s finest players are ready to light up the tournament. Global stars such as Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Victor Osimhen and Sadio Mané headline an AFCON widely tipped to be one of the most competitive in history.
Favourites and familiar giants
Morocco enter the tournament as one of the leading contenders, buoyed by their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final run.
Under Walid Regragui and inspired by the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz, the hosts are chasing a first AFCON title since 1976.
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire are aiming to retain their crown and claim a fourth continental title, which would see them draw level with Ghana and continue their pursuit of Egypt’s record seven trophies.
Egypt themselves arrive with renewed ambition, as Mohamed Salah targets an unprecedented eighth AFCON title for the Pharaohs.
Senegal and Nigeria also loom large. Senegal boast experience and leadership in Sadio Mané, while Nigeria’s hopes rest heavily on the lethal Victor Osimhen, one of Europe’s most feared strikers.
Traditional powerhouses Algeria and Cameroon complete a formidable list of contenders both armed with tactical depth and tournament pedigree.
Coaches and stars under the spotlight
Several coaches will be under intense scrutiny. Walid Regragui leads Morocco at home after becoming a national hero in Qatar.
Egypt’s Hossam Hassan, a legendary former striker faces the task of guiding Salah’s Egypt through immense pressure.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Emerse Faé seeks to prove their 2023 triumph was no fluke, while Algeria’s Vladimir Petković brings European experience and discipline.
On the pitch, all eyes will be on Salah, Hakimi, Osimhen and Mané, while young talents such as Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba and South Africa’s Lyle Foster could announce themselves on the continental stage.
Five defining storylines
Morocco’s home advantage, Côte d’Ivoire’s title defence, Egypt’s hunt for history, the attacking firepower of Nigeria and Senegal, and the novelty of a Christmas-season AFCON all add layers of intrigue. This is the first time the tournament is being staged during the festive period, giving it a unique global spotlight.
Challenges ahead
Despite the excitement, challenges remain. Player fatigue after demanding European club schedules, winter conditions, logistical demands and lingering injury concerns particularly around Salah and Osimhen could all shape the tournament’s outcome.
For Morocco, the pressure of hosting after World Cup heroics may prove both a blessing and a burden.
In summary, AFCON 2025 in Morocco is poised to be historic: festive timing, superstar line-ups, fierce rivalries and unpredictable outcomes.
While Morocco, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Senegal lead the list of favourites, Africa’s most unpredictable tournament is once again ready to deliver surprises.
