With the conclusion of the qualifiers, the stage is now set for the 2025 African Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Morocco. Twenty-four teams from across Africa will compete for continental supremacy.
While some heavyweights, including Ghana, failed to qualify for the tournament, other powerhouses like Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, and defending champions Ivory Coast will feature and aim to win the title.
With thrilling matchups and shocking results expected, the tournament promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. Here, we analyze the 24 teams, identifying favorites, underdogs, and potential champions.
Morocco (Hosts)
Since winning the AFCON in 1976, Morocco has struggled to establish dominance in African football. They finished as runners-up in 2004, but since then, their best finish has been the quarterfinals. However, in recent times, Morocco has emerged as a formidable side. They became the first-ever African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals of the World Cup, knocking out European champions Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the process. With six wins from six qualifiers, 26 goals scored, and only two conceded, Morocco’s confidence is sky-high, and they are considered one of the favorites for the AFCON.
Algeria
Two-time African champions Algeria head into this tournament in fine form. They were unbeaten in the qualifiers, recording 16 points in six matches and scoring 16 goals. Since winning the AFCON in 2019, they have endured back-to-back group-stage exits. However, with their current form, the Desert Warriors will be confident they can perform better in Morocco.
Angola
Angola will prove to be tough opponents for any team that underestimates them. The Black Antelopes finished unbeaten in the AFCON qualifiers, topping their group with 14 points. They reached the quarterfinals in the last edition but were knocked out by a single Ademola Lookman goal, giving Nigeria a 1-0 victory. Angola will be looking to surprise many again in 2025.
Benin
Led by Gernot Rohr, Benin Republic finished second in their AFCON qualification group with eight points. Their performances in the qualifiers suggest they are capable of soaking up pressure and punishing opponents on the counterattack. Having qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2019, they’ll be hoping the experience of their coach can guide them to compete and make their nation proud.
Botswana
For only the second time in their history, Botswana qualified for the AFCON, finishing second in Group C with eight points. In the final group-stage match, Botswana held seven-time champions Egypt to a 1-1 draw away from home. This performance indicates that facing Botswana at the AFCON will not be a walkover; they are a team with grit and determination.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso finished second in Group L of the qualifiers with 10 points. They reached the Round of 16 in the last edition but lost to Mali 2-1. Although they are viewed as underdogs, the Stallions boast quality players, including Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth), Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven), and Issa Kabore (Benfica), who can help them surprise many during the AFCON.
Cameroon
Five-time champions Cameroon will aim to dominate Africa once again. The Indomitable Lions finished unbeaten in the qualifiers, racking up 14 points. They were eliminated in the Round of 16 in the last edition, courtesy of two goals from Ademola Lookman. Despite administrative controversies, the Cameroonians will hope their players remain focused on achieving victory.
Comoros
Comoros will be featuring in the AFCON for just the second time in their history. They excelled in the qualifiers, topping their group ahead of Tunisia and Gambia while staying unbeaten. They hope to carry this form into Morocco as they aim to compete at the AFCON.
DR Congo
The Leopards had a strong showing in the last AFCON, eliminating Egypt and defeating Guinea in the quarterfinals before falling to eventual winners Ivory Coast in the semifinals. They also lost the third-place match to South Africa. Having finished with 12 points in the qualifiers, DR Congo will be confident heading into this tournament.
Egypt
By their high standards, Egypt has been underwhelming in recent AFCON tournaments. However, they are motivated to succeed in Morocco. Since losing to DR Congo in the last edition, Egypt has not lost any competitive match. With Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in their ranks, the Pharaohs boast two of the most in-form wingers in world football and are expected to compete for the title.
Equatorial Guinea
Despite their Round of 16 exit, Equatorial Guinea made a lasting impression at the 2023 AFCON. They surprisingly topped Group A ahead of Nigeria and Ivory Coast and stunned the eventual champions, Ivory Coast, 4-0 in a match that led to the sacking of Jean-Louis Gasset. Having finished second in the qualifiers with eight points, they will look to surprise everyone again in Morocco.
Gabon
The Panthers missed out on the last AFCON but have qualified this time with 10 points, finishing second in Group B. They possess a swift and aggressive attack but must improve defensively to make a deeper run in Morocco.
Ivory Coast
The defending champions head into the tournament with confidence but must beware of the “champions’ curse,” as past winners have struggled in subsequent editions. The Elephants must avoid complacency if they are to replicate their success.
Nigeria
The Super Eagles will aim to win their fourth AFCON title. They topped their qualification group with 11 points and have finished on the podium in two of the last three editions. With a squad full of quality players, Nigeria will hope 2025 is their year for continental glory.
Mali
Mali has been one of the best African sides in 2024. The Eagles have only lost twice this year, including a quarterfinal defeat to Ivory Coast in extra time during the last AFCON. They dominated their qualification group, finishing unbeaten with 14 points. Their strong and resolute defense shone through, as they conceded just one goal throughout qualification.
Mozambique
The Mambas of Mozambique were knocked out of the 2023 AFCON without winning a game. However, since then, they have lost only once across multiple competitions. They finished second in their qualification group with 11 points and will look to exceed their previous performances in the next AFCON edition.
Senegal
Since losing to England in the 2022 World Cup, Senegal’s senior team has not lost any competitive game in 90 minutes. Such is the dominance and quality of the Lions of Teranga. They swept through the qualification phase, topping their group with 16 points and conceding only one goal. They enter the tournament as favorites and will aim to right the wrongs of 2023, where they lost in the Round of 16 to Ivory Coast via a penalty shootout.
South Africa
South Africa claimed bronze at the 2023 AFCON, marking their best finish since 2000. Unbeaten since then, they finished with 14 points in their qualification group. Playing an exciting and eye-catching style of football, Bafana Bafana is now considered a team on the rise and a serious contender in Morocco.
Sudan
Sudan qualified for the 2025 AFCON courtesy of a second-place finish in Group F, where they amassed eight points. While the Falcons of Jediane finished with a negative goal difference, they proved efficient when it mattered most. Considered underdogs, Sudan has the potential to cause surprises in Morocco.
Tanzania
Tanzania, with an average age of 24.64, was the youngest team at the 2023 AFCON. Their inexperience showed as they failed to progress past the group stage. However, they displayed promise for the future. Having qualified for the next edition with 10 points, the Taifa Stars are poised to bring youthful energy and enthusiasm to Morocco.
Tunisia
After a disappointing group stage exit in the previous tournament, the Eagles of Carthage return with renewed purpose and determination. Finishing with 10 points in the qualifiers, Tunisia will aim to redeem themselves and make a deeper run in Morocco.
Uganda
Uganda missed the last two editions of the AFCON. However, after finishing with 13 points in their qualification group, the Cranes have returned and are eager to make a statement in the upcoming tournament. Led by Belgian coach Paul Put, Uganda will be tough to beat, having lost only twice in 2024.
Zambia
Since their stunning AFCON victory in 2012, the Chipolopolo have struggled to maintain consistency, often missing out on qualification or exiting in the group stage. However, Zambia topped Group G with 13 points, ahead of defending champions Ivory Coast, to book their ticket to Morocco. They now seek redemption and a resurgence in form after a challenging decade.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe could not participate in the previous AFCON due to suspension over government interference in football matters. Having resolved these issues and qualified for the 2025 tournament, the Warriors are eager to reestablish themselves and make a positive impact for their nation on the continental stage.
