The draws of the 35th edition of the African Cup of Nations was held in Morocco on Monday 27th January, 2025 in Morocco.

 

AFCON 2025 will be the first time that the tournament will spill over from one year to the other. It will hold from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

 

Box 18 is taking a  Country-by-Country Analysis of participants and their chances of winning the title.

No doubt, the AFCON 2025 in Morocco promises to be a competitive tournament with strong contenders in all groups. 

 

Group A

Morocco 

• Analysis: As hosts, Morocco are the favorites in this group. With a talented squad including stars like Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi, the Atlas Lions will benefit from home support and a strong tactical setup.

• Chances: Very high.

Mali

• Analysis: Mali’s youthful squad, led by standout midfielders like Amadou Haidara, is a threat. They have consistently reached the latter stages but lack the cutting edge to win.

• Chances: Moderate.

Zambia 

• Analysis: The 2012 champions have struggled for consistency but can cause upsets with players like Patson Daka.

• Chances: Low to moderate.

Comoros 

• Analysis: Comoros are outsiders but showed resilience at AFCON 2021. They lack the depth to challenge stronger teams.

• Chances: Very low.

Group B

Egypt 

• Analysis: With Mohamed Salah and a well-rounded squad, Egypt are always a contender. Their AFCON record of seven titles speaks for itself.

• Chances: High.

South Africa 

• Analysis: The 1996 champions have been inconsistent but possess exciting talents like Lyle Foster.

• Chances: Moderate.

Angola 

• Analysis: Angola have quality in their attack but lack the defensive solidity to compete at the top level.

• Chances: Low.

Zimbabwe 

• Analysis: Zimbabwe are spirited but often lack the depth and infrastructure to compete with stronger teams.

• Chances: Very low.

 

Group C

Nigeria 

• Analysis: The Super Eagles have one of the best squads, featuring Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze. Their attacking depth makes them top contenders.

• Chances: Very high.

Tunisia 

• Analysis: A disciplined team with strong tournament pedigree. They often reach the knockout stages but lack a killer instinct.

• Chances: Moderate to high.

Uganda 

• Analysis: Uganda are defensively sound but lack firepower in attack to trouble the big teams.

• Chances: Low.

Tanzania 

• Analysis: Tanzania have shown progress but remain underdogs due to their lack of experience in major tournaments.

• Chances: Very low.

Group D

Senegal 

• Analysis: The 2021  champions boast world-class players like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly. They are strong favorites to retain the title.

• Chances: Very high.

DR Congo 

• Analysis: With a mix of experience and young talent, DR Congo can cause surprises but lack consistency to go all the way.

• Chances: Moderate.

Benin 

• Analysis: Benin are solid but lack the attacking threat to challenge stronger teams.

• Chances: Low.

Botswana 

• Analysis: Botswana are one of the weakest teams in the tournament and are unlikely to progress far.

• Chances: Very low.

Group E

Algeria 

• Analysis: The 2019 champions, led by Riyad Mahrez, are rebuilding after a poor AFCON 2021. They remain one of the strongest teams in Africa.

• Chances: High.

Burkina Faso 

• Analysis: Known for their fighting spirit, Burkina Faso are regular dark horses. Their physicality and organization can take them far.

• Chances: Moderate to high.

Equatorial Guinea 

• Analysis: Equatorial Guinea are solid defensively and capable of surprises, but they lack the depth to win.

• Chances: Low to moderate.

Sudan 

• Analysis: Sudan are underdogs with limited quality and are unlikely to progress beyond the group stage.

• Chances: Very low.

Group F

Ivory Coast 

• Analysis: The 2023 AFCON  hosts and defending champions boast a star-studded squad, including Sébastien Haller. They are strong contenders with a history of success.

• Chances: High.

Cameroon 

• Analysis: The five-time champions have a balanced squad and are tournament specialists, making them favorites in this group.

• Chances: Very high.

Gabon 

• Analysis: Gabon rely heavily on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but their lack of depth could hurt their chances.

• Chances: Low to moderate.

 

Mozambique 

 

• Analysis: Mozambique are underdogs with minimal tournament experience.

• Chances: Very low.

Overall Favorites

1. Senegal: Former champions with world-class talent.

2. Morocco : Home advantage and a talented squad.

3. Nigeria : Depth in attack and tournament experience.

4. Egypt : AFCON specialists with Mohamed Salah.

5. Ivory Coast : Defending champions with  A balanced and talented team.

 

Dark Horses

 

• Burkina Faso 

• Tunisia 

• Mali 

 

The tournament will hinge on key matchups and individual brilliance, promising excitement as Africa’s best battle for glory.