AFCON 2025: The Teams Most Likely To Shine

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations runs from December 21 2025, to January 18 2026, meaning a major international tournament is being staged right through Christmas and the New Year. Morocco hosts across six cities, and home advantage in familiar conditions can matter when legs get heavy late on. With matches in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir and Fez, travel is manageable, but routines still change fast for every squad.

Why This AFCON Could Be Wide Open

AFCON has a habit of punishing favourites. The 24-team format also invited chaos; teams can qualify even after a wobble, and then one poor knockout performance can end everything. Add mid-season fatigue for Europe-based stars, and you have the ingredients for upsets. It’s no wonder the latest football betting online suggests AFCON 2025 will be a very competitive tournament.

Morocco: Hosts With Pressure and Momentum

It is impossible to start anywhere else. Morocco are at home and open in Group A (Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros). They are typically built around elite-level defenders and rapid transitions, and the crowd energy in Rabat can turn tight matches. Coach Walid Regragui has shown he can win tactically, switching shapes to protect leads.

Senegal: The Most Complete Big-Game Side

Senegal arrive with a profile tournament football rewards: physical dominance, control in midfield, and match-winners out wide. They are drawn in Group D with DR Congo, Benin and Botswana, which should give them room to build rhythm. If fames become attritional, Senegal’s ability to defend set-pieces and win duels is a decisive edge.

Nigeria: Chaos and Quality in Equal Measure

Nigeria rarely come to AFCON without star power, and Group C (Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania) looks like one of the most tactically interesting pools. If Nigeria get their balance right, protecting transitions while still allowing their forwards to play on instinct, they can overwhelm opponents. The key is stacking disciplined early wins, rather than needing drama to spark them.

Ivory Coast: Champions Who Know How to Survive

The defending champions are in Group F with Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique, which is rugged from top to bottom. Their biggest advantage is belief, when matches turn into a scrap, they do not panic. If the Ivory Coast progress, they will be a nightmare draw for anyone because they can win ugly and win late.

Algeria and Egypt: Pedigree and Clear Game Models

Algeria sit in Group E (Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan), a mix that tests patience and defensive concentration. Egypt, seven-time winners, are in Group B (Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe). They often thrive when they can keep games close, manage risk, and lean on elite attackers. Mohamed Salah’s leadership is the obvious headline.

Cameroon, DR Congo and South Africa: Dangerous Second-Tier Contenders

Cameroon’s tournament DNA is obvious, and a demanding Group F schedule will sharpen them up quickly. DR Congo have the athletic base and transitional threat to upset anyone. South Africa, meanwhile, have the legs and organisation to frustrate bigger names in Group B and could grow quickly if they start well.

Verdict

AFCON is often decided by small things: who defends their box best, who stays calm at 1-0, and who can squeeze value from set-pieces. Morocco’s home advantage and Senegal’s completeness make them standout picks, while Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Algeria and Egypt have the tools to go all the way if they find their rhythm.