AFCON 2025: Can Morocco’s hosts deliver glory with Salah

The Africa Cup of Nations returns in a mid‑season window this year, hosted by Morocco. The tournament promises drama as Africa's top teams chase the continent's most coveted prize, with Mohamed Salah aiming to secure a first AFCON title for Egypt and the hosts hoping to crown their campaign with glory on home soil.

Morocco expects

The Atlas Lions enter as the hosts and favorites, thanks to playing at home and their recent standing among Africa’s best after a strong World Cup run. Their long home winning streak raises expectations, though their results against teams in the world’s top 50 have been mixed, with Tunisia among notable recent victories.

Coach Walid Regragui faces the task of balancing pressure with performance as fans pack stadiums and tickets sell out quickly. Even if captain Achraf Hakimi misses some games, Morocco have enough depth to advance from the group stage, and many expect a deep run into the knockout rounds.

Midfield talisman Sofyan Amrabat has urged the team to recreate a Qatar‑like atmosphere of support, insisting they play with heart, energy, and intensity to boost their chances.

Complaints in build‑up

The decision to hold another mid‑season AFCON has created friction with European clubs. CAF faced limited options as FIFA expanded the Club World Cup to be held in June and July, shortening the period clubs must release players. Critics argued the window is too tight, with Mali’s coach Tom Saintfiet calling the move catastrophic and Comoros forced to trim plans for the opening match against Morocco.

CAF defends the tournament as Africa’s main revenue engine, arguing that regular AFCON events are essential to reinvesting in the game across the continent.

Upheaval for Cameroon

Cameroon, a five‑time winner, entered the tournament amid turmoil as federation president Samuel Eto’o dismissed coach Marc Brys and left out key players such as Andre Onana and Vincent Aboubakar. New coach David Pagou spoke of a refreshed approach and renewed focus. Other strong challengers include South Africa under Hugo Broos and Algeria, led by top scorer Mohamed Amoura, who could help them reach the knockout stage for the first time in three editions. Sudan qualified despite playing qualifiers away from home due to civil unrest, while Botswana, Mozambique, and Tanzania are chasing their first AFCON wins.

Expert comment

Analysts say the tournament will test squad depth, tactical flexibility, and the ability to prepare quickly in a crowded calendar. They stress that Morocco will need unity, strong crowd support, and smart game management to push deep into the knockout rounds.

Short summary

AFCON 2025 in Morocco offers a potent mix of home advantage, veteran leadership, and new challenges for traditional powers. Salah remains a central figure for Egypt, while teams strive to surprise with resilience and depth. With multiple former champions in the mix, unpredictability is a longstanding hallmark of this competition.

Key insight: The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 tests depth, pressure handling, and the power of home support to shape the path to glory. Source: BBC Sport

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