Morocco 2025: Qualified teams & their strengths, likely winner…here’s all to know
The stage for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which is to be hosted in Morocco is set to showcase yet another edition of Africa’s footballing prowess, starting on December 21, 2025. This 35th edition of the tournament will feature 24 teams competing strongly for the continent’s most prestigious football tournament. Here’s an analysis of the qualified teams and their key strengths.
Qualified Teams
1. Host Nation: Morocco
2. Other Qualified Teams: Algeria, Angola, Benin Republic, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Team-by-Team Strength Analysis
Morocco (Host) has a solid infrastructure and a golden generation led by stars like Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz. Their historic World Cup 2022 semi-final run proves their global competitiveness. Above all, they will aim to leverage home advantage to clinch their first AFCON title since 1976.
Algeria, another North-African country to secure the qualification ticket who have a compact team play and technical quality, led by Riyad Mahrez. The 2019 AFCON champions are always a strong contender. Adding to Algeria teams’ strength is their blend of youth and experience makes Algeria one of the favorites.
Senegal, the 2022 African champions also secured their qualification ticket in the upcoming AFCON tournament, Senegal present strength lies in their disciplined side led by Sadio Mané. Senegal’s balance in defense and attack makes them formidable. The Lions of Teranga are eager to win the title if they maintain their tactical discipline.
Egypt also made it to the 2025 AFCON competition. The seven-time champions with a clinical Mohamed Salah leading their attack could give them an edge in winning the competition. Their efficiency in tight games makes them a strong title challenger.
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Nigeria which has for long been heralded as the giant of Africa boast of a strong talented list in both defensive and offensive playing position. Stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and captain William Troost-Ekong could give the Super Eagles an edge in winning the upcoming competition, making them a goal-scoring threat in any game. However, Nigeria’s inconsistent form could be their Achilles’ heel, but their potential is undeniable.
Ivory Coast who are the defending champions with a mix of physicality and flair, buoyed by experienced leaders like Franck Kessié and young sensations like Simon Adingra. The Elephants will be on for a back-to-back win and they remain a dangerous side.
South Africa resilience and tactical adaptability, showcasing consistent improvement under coach Hugo Broos is what could be brought to the 2025 AFCON tournament. Having qualified without a loss, the Bafana Bafana are a team that shouldn’t be underestimated. More also, they could be a dark horse to frustrate and pull-out victories depending on their finishing in critical matches.
Comoros, who are ranked in the 108th position according to the FIFA global ranking have surprisingly appeared again in the 2025 AFCON tournament. As known giant-slayers, Comoros plays with tenacity and tactical intelligence. The country could appear as underdogs to pull off surprises, but if they are to progress to the latter stages, it would be remarkable.
Zambia is yet another country to make it to the tournament in Morocco next year. The 2012 AFCON winners who rely on pace and a robust midfield could be a force of attraction. Regardless, they need a strong defensive structure to advance deep into the tournament.
Cameroon who are five-times winners have shown physicality, athleticism, and tournament experience, making them to secure the qualification ticket for Morocco. Cameroon remains a major threat with a well-rounded squad and proper coaching tactics.
Burkina Faso who 2013 finalist made it to the 2025 AFCON tournament. With their consistent performances in recent tournaments, they could appear to cause surprises and produce great football moments. They rely on a tight defensive structure and counter-attacks and could be potential semi-finalists if they maintain their form.
DR Congo have a dynamic play and physical dominance. They possess the tools to surprise higher-ranked opponents.
Tunisia have shown impressive performances in recent matches and tournaments, which has made them qualified for Morocco. Their efficient, tactical and often thriving on set-pieces and defensive organization is what will be expected of them in the 2025 AFCON tournament. Tunisia have been a consistent quarter-finalist but often struggle with their attacks in matches especially when faced with quality defensive opponents.
Angola, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Benin Republic, Mali, Gabon, Uganda and Botswana are emerging teams with different levels of experience. Each of these countries will aim to make history by reaching the knockout stages or winning any big team that was paired with them in group stages. These teams could be spoilers in the group stages, if underestimated and could have some advantage to progress if they show consistent defensive and offensive efforts.
Favourites and predictions
This edition of the AFCON tournament will feature a mix of proven champions and emerging talents. Senegal, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Nigeria have been heralded by fans and football pundits as the top contenders and favourites to win the upcoming edition. However, surprises and upsets still occur in most of AFCON matches, and teams like Comoros or Zambia could shake up predictions and prove to be dark horses for big teams. With Morocco’s home advantage, Senegal’s defensive stability, and Egypt’s experience, the 2025 AFCON promises to be one of the most competitive editions in history.
