21/12/2025
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco today, Sunday, December 21, 2025, marking the first time since 1988 that the country has hosted the continental showpiece.
Host nation Morocco takes on Comoros in the opening match today at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The match is scheduled for 19:00 GMT (8:00 PM local time).
All 24 nations have finalised squads, coaches are set, and stars like Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Victor Osimhen, and Sadio Manรฉ headline the tournament.
๐ Contenders & Storylines.
- Morocco: Riding momentum from their 2022 World Cup semifinal run, tipped as favourites with Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Dรญaz leading.
- Cรดte dโIvoire: Defending champions, aiming for a fourth title to match Ghana and chase Egyptโs record of seven.
- Egypt: Mohamed Salah seeks an eighth continental crown for the Pharaohs.
- Senegal & Nigeria: Both are stacked with world-class talent (Sadio Manรฉ, Victor Osimhen).
- Algeria & Cameroon: Traditional heavyweights with strong squads and tactical depth.
๐ Coaches to Watch.
- Walid Regragui (Morocco): Hero of the 2022 World Cup, now leading the Atlas Lions at home.
- Hossam Hassan (Egypt): Legendary striker turned coach, tasked with guiding Salahโs Egypt.
- Emerse Faรฉ (Cรดte dโIvoire): Fresh from their 2023 triumph, aiming to repeat success.
- Vladimir Petkoviฤ (Algeria): Experienced tactician with European pedigree.
๐ Star Players
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Africaโs biggest star, chasing glory despite a dip in club form.
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): The host nationโs talisman, key in defence and attack.
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): Europeโs hottest striker, expected to dominate.
- Sadio Manรฉ (Senegal): Veteran leader aiming to reclaim continental supremacy.
- Breakout Talents: Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) and Lyle Foster (South Africa) are among the rising names.
๐ Five Big Storylines
1. Moroccoโs home advantage โ Can they deliver a first AFCON title since 1976?
2. Cรดte dโIvoireโs title defence โ Will they cement themselves among Africaโs elite?
3. Egyptโs quest for an eighth crown โ Salahโs leadership under pressure.
4. Nigeria & Senegalโs firepower โ Which strike force will prevail?
5. Christmas football festival โ The first AFCON staged during the festive season, promising a global spotlight.
โ ๏ธ Risks & Challenges
- Player fatigue: Many stars arrive after heavy European schedules.
- Weather & logistics: Winter conditions in Morocco could affect play.
- Pressure on hosts: Morocco faces immense expectations after their World Cup heroics.
- Injury concerns: Salah and Osimhen have had fitness issues in recent months.
In short: AFCON 2025 in Morocco is set to be historic โ festive timing, superstar lineups, and fierce rivalries. Morocco, Egypt, Cรดte dโIvoire, Nigeria, and Senegal headline the favourites, but surprises are inevitable in Africaโs most unpredictable tournament.
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