As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco this Sunday, attention is finally shifting from off-field debates to the football itself. After weeks of controversy over player release dates and scheduling clashes with European clubs, Africa’s biggest football showpiece is ready to take centre stage.
Two major questions dominate the build-up: can Morocco turn home advantage into a historic title win, and will Mohamed Salah finally lift the AFCON trophy with Egypt?
Salah’s Final Shot at AFCON Glory?
For Mohamed Salah, AFCON 2025 represents a defining moment. The 33-year-old Liverpool star is making his fifth attempt to win the tournament after painful final defeats in 2017 and 2021. His future at Liverpool has also been under intense scrutiny following recent comments suggesting he has been sidelined by the club.
Now back in action, Salah’s focus turns fully to Egypt’s continental campaign, with hopes of cementing his legacy by finally claiming Africa’s most coveted prize.
Morocco’s Golden Opportunity on Home Soil
Morocco enter the tournament as favourites, boasting a world-record 18 consecutive wins and the status of Africa’s top-ranked team following their historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup.
Despite exiting in the last 16 at the previous AFCON, coach Walid Regragui and his squad are under huge pressure to deliver. Tickets have sold out within hours, and expectations are sky-high for a first AFCON title since 1976.
Captain Achraf Hakimi is racing against time to be fit, but even without him, the Atlas Lions are widely expected to cruise through the group stage. Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat summed it up: success in AFCON demands heart, intensity, and the energy of home fans.
AFCON’s Famous Unpredictability
History suggests that favourites are never guaranteed success. Ivory Coast’s dramatic home triumph in 2024, despite sacking their coach mid-tournament, remains a fresh reminder of AFCON’s chaos and charm.
Nigeria will be aiming to improve on their 2023 runner-up finish, while Senegal arrive in strong form after defeating England earlier this year. Cameroon, however, face turmoil after high-profile omissions and coaching upheaval, as they attempt to recover from missing out on the 2026 World Cup.
With seven different winners in the last eight editions, AFCON 2025 promises drama from start to finish.
Scheduling Chaos and Club Tensions
Once again, a mid-season AFCON has frustrated European clubs. CAF reduced the mandatory player release period to seven days due to FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, disrupting preparations for several nations.
Coaches from Mali and Comoros criticised the late decision, while CAF defended the biennial tournament as essential for funding African football development.
Dark Horses and New Dreams
South Africa, Algeria, and Sudan could spring surprises, while Botswana, Mozambique, and Tanzania are chasing their first-ever AFCON wins. With 12 former champions competing, a debut winner seems unlikely — but AFCON has never followed a script.
As the tournament begins, one thing is certain: Africa’s football “holy grail” is once again up for grabs, and anything can happen.
About the Author
