As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches in Morocco, anticipation is building around a tournament renowned for its intensity, unpredictability and elite talent.
While AFCON often throws up surprise contenders, recent form, squad depth and tournament pedigree point to five nations with a genuine chance of lifting the trophy.
Tunisia: Organisation, resilience, tournament know-how
Tunisia arrive at AFCON 2025 as one of the continent’s most disciplined sides. Defined by structure and defensive solidity, the Carthage Eagles have built a reputation for frustrating opponents and thriving in tight, low-margin encounters.
Their recent World Cup qualification campaign underlined those strengths, as Tunisia conceded no goals throughout the entire run. While they may not dominate possession or overwhelm opponents offensively, their tactical clarity and collective discipline make them difficult to break down.
Tunisia hold the record for the most consecutive AFCON appearances, having qualified for 17 straight tournaments since 1994. Their sole title came in 2004, when they defeated Morocco 2-1 on home soil — a reminder of their ability to seize opportunities on the biggest stage.
AFCON 2025. Tunisia Eagles of Carthage. Contenders to look out for
Nigeria: Talent-rich and driven by unfinished business
Nigeria head into AFCON 2025 with a point to prove. Finalists at the last edition, the Super Eagles impressed with their composure and resilience before falling short in the decider. However, failure to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups has clouded recent progress.
That disappointment could sharpen their edge. With Victor Osimhen leading the line, supported by the pace and creativity of Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, Nigeria possess one of the most potent attacking units in the competition.
Three-time AFCON champions — most recently in 2013 — Nigeria’s challenge remains consistency. If they can find balance across the pitch, their attacking quality alone makes them a formidable contender.
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Egypt: Experience, control, continental pedigree
Egypt remain the standard-bearers of African football history. Seven-time champions and the tournament’s most frequent participants, the Pharaohs continue to rely on structure, experience and game management rather than flair.
Mohamed Salah remains the focal point in attack, but Egypt’s real strength lies in their ability to control matches. A disciplined defensive setup and tactical patience allow them to remain competitive even when not at their best — an invaluable trait in knockout football.
Egypt have hosted AFCON a record five times, winning three of those tournaments. Their most recent title came in 2010, when they edged Ghana 1-0 in the final in Angola, and their tournament intelligence ensures they are never far from contention.
Senegal: Power, balance, championship mentality
Senegal continue to set the benchmark for consistency in African football. Built around physical strength, tactical discipline and elite-level experience, the former champions have maintained their status as one of the continent’s most complete teams.
Kalidou Koulibaly anchors a formidable defence, while Sadio Mané remains capable of producing decisive moments in attack. Senegal’s ability to control games — whether grinding out narrow wins or asserting dominance — has become a defining feature.
Champions for the first time in 2021 after defeating Egypt on penalties, Senegal exited the 2023 edition against eventual winners Côte d’Ivoire. Their recent qualification campaigns, marked by defensive solidity and efficiency, underline their credentials as genuine title contenders.
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Morocco: Hosts carrying expectation and belief
Morocco enter AFCON 2025 with momentum, confidence and the weight of expectation that comes with hosting the tournament. Their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup announced them as a global force and reshaped perceptions of African football on the world stage.
Captain Achraf Hakimi remains the team’s driving influence, while Youssef En-Nesyri and Sofyan Amrabat provide balance, physicality and tactical intelligence. Recent competitive performances have highlighted a side growing in maturity and defensive stability.
AFCON success has been elusive for Morocco, who have lifted the trophy only once — in 1976 — becoming the second North African nation to do so. A surprise last-16 exit at the 2023 tournament, following defeat by South Africa, will add further motivation as they aim to make home advantage count.
As AFCON 2025 draws closer, form and fortunes will inevitably shift. Yet based on recent performances, squad quality and tournament pedigree, these five nations appear best positioned to challenge for Africa’s most coveted prize. In a competition defined by fine margins and unforgettable moments, the stage is set for a classic football spectacle.
Winner odds for the 2025 AFCON on 1xbet
- Morocco: 3.5
- Egypt: 7.1
- Algeria: 7.1
- Senegal: 7.3
- Nigeria: 10.5
- Ivory Coast: 12
- Tunisia: 12.7
