The excitement for AFCON 2025, which kicks off in December, is just around the corner.
As Africa’s biggest international tournament, the host nation Morocco is considered the main favorite. However, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, and last year’s champions Ivory Coast are also strong contenders.
Some in-form teams also have the potential to win the cup. South Africa proved its strength this season by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 15 years. In the last AFCON, they were eliminated by Nigeria in the semifinals, but this year, they managed to top the group containing Nigeria in the World Cup.
Remarkably, they achieved this despite a 3-point deduction penalty. The team’s core players compete in the domestic league, and they have a solid squad of young talents. Coach Hugo Broos is also highly respected for his tactical acumen.
Gabon is another dangerous team for the tournament favorites. The team’s living legend, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is in outstanding form. During World Cup qualifiers, Gabon battled fiercely with Ivory Coast, finishing just one point behind in second place.
Burkina Faso is also among the dark horses, featuring talented players like Bertrand Traoré, Dango Ouattara, and Edmond Tapsoba. Although they were eliminated earlier than expected in the last AFCON, they are expected to achieve a better result in this tournament.
Finally, the Democratic Republic of Congo is going through a strong phase. Their squad includes Samuel Essende, Theo Bongonda, Cédric Bakambu, Noah Sadiki, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Axel Tuanzebe, and they are guided by the experienced coach Sébastien Desabre.