AFCON 2025: Who Are the Clear Favourites?

Morocco: The Frontrunners

The host nation and unrivalled best African team at the moment, it’s plain to see why Morocco come into the 2025 African Cup of Nations as the clear favourites. They recently broke the record for most consecutive wins by a senior team at 18, a feat previously held by Spain (15). Morocco also famously became the first ever African team to make it to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2022.

Yet for all the praise that the Atlas Lions have garnered over recent years, an underwhelming record in this competition still haunts them. Still, if there was ever a time for Morocco to end a near 50-year drought and capture their first AFCON title since 1976, it would be now.

They’re undoubtedly in the middle of their golden generation, with a star-studded squad composed of players from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Hakimi, Aguerd, Mazraoui, En-Nesyri, Brahim Diaz and Ben Seghir are just a few examples of the type of quality players that head coach Walid Regragui will have at his disposal.

Morocco last 5 AFCON results

Egypt: AFCON Heavyweights

Led by arguably the best attacking duo in the tournament in Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, Egypt have an excellent chance at adding to their record seven AFCON titles. They’ve had to overcome recent adversary after finishing as runners-up in both 2017 and 2021, and the hope is that this experienced team will have been made the better for it.

Apart from Salah and Marmoush, there might not be many recognisable names in this Egyptian squad for those that don’t follow African football. It’s therefore a testament to Egypt’s disciplined structure and tactical know-how that they find themselves as the second favourites behind Morocco.

Could this be the year that Mohamed Salah finally claims his first major honour for his country in what could be his final AFCON appearance?

Egypt last 5 AFCON results

More on the 2025 AFCON

Senegal: Proven Tournament Profile

Senegal finally made the breakthrough in 2021, winning the African Cup of Nations for the first time in their history. It was a huge weight lifted off the shoulders of the nation, with many fans beginning to wonder if this talented crop of players would be able to deliver.

While they were disappointingly dumped out of the last AFCON in the round of 16 by eventual champions Ivory Coast, the Lions of Teranga have proven to have a consistently high floor and have made the final in two of the last three attempts. They come into 2025’s edition widely considered to be the third favourites, although it’s very small margins between them, Egypt and Algeria.

Senegal boast one of the most exciting attacking squads on the continent with a number of star Premier League players in their ranks including Iliman Ndiaye, Idrissa Gueye, Ismaila Sarr and Pape Sarr. Led by Kalidou Koulibaly at the back and Sadio Mane at the front, Senegal will feel bullish about their chances in 2025 after a down year in 2023.

Senegal last 5 AFCON results

Algeria: Fennec Foxes Seeking Atonement

After disastrous campaigns in 2021 and 2023 which saw Algeria finish bottom of their group on both occasions, the Fennec Foxes will be out to make amends in Morocco. They’ve twice been crowned kings of Africa with their most recent title coming in 2019.

However, three group stage exits in the last four tournaments is an ugly stain on their CV. Another group stage exit here for Algeria would be catastrophic and would lead to some uncomfortable conversations and introspection.

Nevertheless, Algeria remains one of the top favourites to win the 2025 African Cup of Nations, with many grouping them in with Senegal as around the third or fourth favourites. It’s no surprise really when looking at the strength of their squad, sporting the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Houssem Aouar, Mohammed Amoura, Ibrahim Maza and Fares Chaibi.

The pressure is truly on for Algeria and it will be fascinating to see if they are able to rise to the occasion.

Algeria last 5 AFCON results                                                                                                    

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