The Top 5 Contenders For AFCON 2025: Africa’s Giants Ready For Battle

As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off on December 21 in Morocco, the continent’s premier football tournament promises another chapter of drama, passion, and unpredictability.

With 24 nations vying for glory, several heavyweight teams have emerged as favorites to lift the trophy. Here’s an in-depth look at the five teams best positioned to claim continental supremacy.

Morocco: Home Advantage Meets World-Class Talent

The Atlas Lions enter as clear favorites, backed by home support and an impressive 18-match winning streak. For Morocco, this tournament represents a historic opportunity to end a 49-year title drought, having last won AFCON in 1976.

Under Walid Regragui, the team blends tactical discipline with attacking speed, featuring stars like 2025 CAF African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi, Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz, striker Youssef En-Nesyri, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

The squad’s depth is remarkable—eight of the ten players shortlisted for the 2025 African Player of the Year award came from Morocco’s roster.

Their recent pedigree speaks volumes. After their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run, Morocco went undefeated through World Cup qualifying with a perfect record.

Playing across six major cities in front of passionate home crowds, the psychological boost cannot be underestimated.

However, they’ll need to shake off memories of their disappointing round of 16 exit at the previous AFCON.

Senegal: The Defending Philosophy

The Lions of Teranga won AFCON in 2022 and their stability makes them favorites again. Senegal brings a perfectly balanced squad that combines championship experience with emerging talent.

The team’s spine remains formidable, anchored by defensive stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly, midfield general Idrissa Gana Gueye, and talisman Sadio Mané.

What sets this Senegalese side apart is their ability to blend generations—young attackers like Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye provide fresh energy alongside seasoned veterans who know what it takes to win on the biggest stage.

Their tactical organization and physical presence make them difficult opponents for any team.

Having proven their mettle by winning the 2021 edition on penalties against Egypt, they possess both the experience and hunger to add another trophy to their cabinet.

Egypt: The Record Chasers

Egypt stands as the tournament’s most successful nation with seven titles, though their last triumph came in 2010.

The Pharaohs arrive in Morocco with renewed purpose under coach Hossam Hassan, riding an unbeaten streak in official matches since his appointment.

Related: CAF Announces Free E-visa For Fans At The 2025 AFCON In Morocco

Mohamed Salah leads a squad desperate to end what would equal their longest-ever title drought.

The Liverpool star, one of Africa’s most decorated players, is still chasing his first continental crown despite his glittering club career.

Alongside him, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush adds firepower and creative spark.

Egypt’s approach remains distinctive—they lean heavily on domestic league players while counting on their European-based stars to unlock crucial moments.

Their tournament pedigree and ability to navigate pressure situations make them perennial contenders, though they’ll need to navigate a challenging group featuring South Africa.

Nigeria: Explosive Attack, Unfinished Business

Nigeria’s strength lies in their attack, featuring powerful strikers Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, supported by wingers Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.

The Super Eagles arrive with extra motivation after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Having finished as runners-up in 2023, losing to hosts Ivory Coast in a dramatic final, Nigeria knows they have what it takes to go all the way.

The squad boasts perhaps the most individual attacking talent in the tournament, with players capable of deciding matches in single moments of brilliance.

The challenge for Nigeria lies in maintaining defensive solidity and consistency. When firing on all cylinders, few teams can match their offensive threat.

Their combination of athleticism, pace, and technical quality makes them dangerous opponents capable of dismantling any defense on their day.

Ivory Coast: Champions With Unfinished Business

The defending champions arrive in Morocco as the team everyone wants to beat.

Ivory Coast won their third AFCON title in 2024 on home soil, completing one of the tournament’s most dramatic redemption arcs after initially struggling before ultimately going all the way.

Under coach Emerse Faé, who took over mid-tournament last year and orchestrated their remarkable triumph, the Elephants have qualified for the 2026 World Cup and arrive with confidence.

However, their squad selection has raised eyebrows. The surprising return of 33-year-old Wilfried Zaha after a two-year international absence adds experience and flair, while Manchester United’s Amad Diallo provides creativity from the wing.

Yet notable absences create question marks. Simon Adingra, who starred in their 2024 triumph, has been dropped due to limited playing time at Sunderland.

Nicolas Pépé misses out despite strong form at Villarreal, with Faé citing on and off-field factors. The injury to defender Wilfried Singo is another setback as they face a challenging Group F containing Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique.

The Elephants remain talented on paper with a squad in transition between generations.

Players like Frank Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, and Ousmane Diomandé provide the spine, while emerging talents complement returning veterans.

Their championship pedigree and recent momentum make them dangerous, but defending the title presents unique pressures.

Can they handle the weight of expectation better than most defending champions historically have?

The AFCON Factor

While these five teams lead the conversation as favorites, AFCON’s history teaches that predictions mean little once the tournament begins.

The competition thrives on unpredictability—defending champions Ivory Coast lurk as dangerous opponents, while teams like Mali, Tunisia, and South Africa have shown they can trouble anyone on their day.

The tournament rarely follows the script, and this edition promises the same heady mix of tactical battles, individual brilliance, and emotional drama that has made AFCON one of football’s most compelling competitions.

As the action unfolds across Morocco’s stadiums, expect the unexpected. In African football, favorites can fall, underdogs can soar, and moments of magic can arrive from the most unlikely sources. That’s what makes AFCON special—and why this battle for continental supremacy will captivate audiences worldwide.