Morocco enter the 2025 AFCON as favourites, seeking a historic triumph on home soil amid fierce competition

Morocco opened their bid for continental supremacy on 21 December in Rabat, beginning the 2025 tournament in a year when expectations around the 2025 AFCON Morocco campaign have intensified.

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Coach Walid Regragui leads a squad buoyed by home advantage, an 18-match winning run and the leadership of captain Achraf Hakimi, who is recovering from a sprained ankle.

The kingdom’s hopes are pinned on ending a 50-year wait since their lone title in 1976.

Anticipation has reached fever pitch, with officials preparing for a surge in stadium attendance amid strong national support.

Morocco face formidable challengers.

Title holders Ivory Coast return with momentum, while Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria and Sadio Mane’s Senegal have each signalled intent to mount serious campaigns.

Nigeria and Cameroon also arrive eager for redemption after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The tournament has evolved dramatically since its modest three-team debut in 1957.

Expansion over the decades culminated in Egypt staging the first 24-nation edition in 2019, helping transform the competition into a global attraction.

This year’s notable absentees include Ghana and Cape Verde, both eliminated after disappointing qualifying runs.

Ghana, four-time champions, failed to win a single match, while Cape Verde secured only one victory.

Among the dark horses, Mali stand out after a narrow quarter-final exit to Ivory Coast last year.

Coach Tom Saintfiet said his side respected their rivals but feared none, a statement that injected a powerful sense of ambition into the build-up.

Eight of the 10 shortlisted contenders for African Footballer of the Year, a title currently held by Hakimi, are expected to feature in Morocco.

Injuries have ruled out Cameroon midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and Serhou Guirassy misses out after Guinea failed to qualify.

Preparations were disrupted when FIFA shifted the release date for players based in Europe from 8 to 15 December.

Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle strongly criticised the decision, arguing it demonstrated insufficient respect for African competitions.

Financially, the Confederation of African Football anticipates a record surplus of around 110 million dollars, a sharp rise from the modest profit recorded during Senegal’s 2022 victory.

Officials attribute the projected windfall to booming television rights revenue.

Security remains a priority after objects were thrown during a recent continental club match in Rabat.

Authorities are reinforcing protocols to prevent crowd disorder, ticketing abuse and hostility toward visiting teams, long-standing issues for the competition.

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Tournament organisers hope improved logistics, strong domestic turnout and high-profile stars will help showcase a modern and vibrant AFCON from the opening match through the 16-team knockout phase.