Most people would agree that the overwhelming favourites to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations are hosts Morocco, defending champions Ivory Coast, and Senegal.
The likes of Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, DR Congo, South Africa, Mali, and Cameroon will also fancy their chances.
The AFCON will be held in Morocco from Sunday, December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This will be the 35th edition of the tournament, and it will feature 24 teams competing across nine venues in six cities.
At the end of the tournament, the expectation is that one of the above-mentioned countries would lift the coveted trophy, but Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena has argued that every team has a chance.
“I’m particularly excited to see how teams like Senegal and Egypt perform, given their recent successes and star players,” says Mokoena.
“But the unpredictability of the tournament also means that underdog teams can surprise.”
Morocco will take on Comoros on Sunday in the opening match of the tournament, while Bafana Bafana will battle Angola on Monday.
Meanwhile, CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe has announced that the winner of the AFCON will receive USD 10 million (R168 million) in prize money.
The runners-up will take home USD 4 million (R67 million), while the two semi-finalists each receive USD 2.5 million (R42 million).
