Afcon 2025: Can Salah deliver glory as Morocco hosts the tournament

With the Africa Cup of Nations returning in mid‑season, attention shifts from transfer talk to the pitch as Morocco hosts the 2025 edition.

Two headline questions frame the tournament: can the hosts extend their impressive home winning streak, and will Mohamed Salah finally lift Africa's premier prize with Egypt?

Morocco as favorites

The Atlas Lions travel with home advantage and a reputation as Africa's top‑ranked side after their memorable run to the 2022 World Cup semi‑finals. Their current winning streak is remarkable, yet the field across the continent has tightened, and questions linger about squad depth. Coach Walid Regragui and his players must manage heavy expectations while chasing a first Afcon title for Morocco since 1976.

Key players and crowd energy

Captain Achraf Hakimi is racing to be fit, and his availability could shape the group phase. Even if he sits out some games, Morocco boast quality across the squad. Sofyan Amrabat stressed the value of a vibrant home atmosphere, likening it to the energy that powered their World Cup run and urging the team to play with heart and intensity.

Other contenders and notable stories

Ivory Coast pulled off a dramatic home win last year after a mid‑group stage coaching change, while Senegal demonstrated form with a win over England in June. Nigeria seeks to improve on their 2023 showing, and Cameroon arrives amid upheaval after leadership changes and the exclusion of key players like goalkeeper Andre Onana and forward Vincent Aboubakar. New Indomitable Lions coach David Pagou said the squad wants a fresh mindset as they chase glory.

Injuries, preparations, and disruptions

European club calendars and FIFA's expanded Club World Cup forced CAF to adjust player release rules, reducing the window to seven days before Afcon instead of the usual 14. Mali coach Tom Saintfiet called the changes "catastrophic" and urged greater respect for African football. Comoros, whose squad largely plays overseas, trimmed training and cancelled a friendly ahead of their opener against Morocco.

Build‑up challenges for Cameroon

Cameroon have faced internal turmoil as federation president Samuel Eto'o dismissed coach Marc Brys, while stars such as Andre Onana and Vincent Aboubakar were left out of the squad. New boss David Pagou spoke of building a fresh mindset and unity as they pursue a new era of success.

Looking ahead for other teams

South Africa have grown into a cohesive side under Hugo Broos, while Algeria boast a leading scorer in Mohamed Amoura, who topped the African World Cup qualifying charts and looks set to push for the knockout stages. Sudan qualified despite playing most of their qualifiers away from home due to the ongoing civil war. Tanzania, along with Botswana and Mozambique, are chasing their first Afcon win, with Tanzania eyeing a future co‑host role in 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda as Africa plans to expand the tournament's footprint.

Outlook

With 12 former champions in the mix, predicting a winner is never simple. Afcon 2025 promises drama, top‑level football, and the chance for new stories to emerge in a tournament that remains a marquee event for African football.

Expert comment

Analysts warn that the tournament's unpredictability could defy early predictions, yet a boisterous home crowd could give Morocco a strong push into the knockout rounds. The team will also lean on leadership from experienced players to navigate the tough fixtures ahead.

Short summary

Morocco hosts a highly anticipated Afcon 2025 with a strong chance of success and a field full of competitive teams. Mohamed Salah and Egypt hope to finally lift the trophy, while defending champions and other big names aim to assert dominance. Scheduling challenges and internal team changes add extra layers of tension and excitement to the race for Africa's premier prize.

Key insight: The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco blends passionate home support with a deep, competitive field, making a surprise winner entirely possible. Source: BBC Sport

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