AFCON is back. After two years of battling for World Cup qualifiers, AFCON is now here. In Morocco, some teams except a lot of this tournament. All eyes in Morocco.
The main favorite : Senegal
Since Pape Thiaw took over as head coach, Senegal have been revitalized, and the results speak for the Lions of Teranga. A statement win away in the Democratic Republic of Congo in World Cup qualifying, followed by friendly victories against Nigeria and England in Nottingham, highlight a team clearly on the rise. Senegal look refreshed, with players such as Pape Sarr and the outstanding Illiman Ndiaye taking on leadership roles. They arrive in top form and, crucially, without the heavy pressure that will weigh on host nation Morocco—an element that could prove decisive.
What about host country : Morocco
The host nation is under intense scrutiny. Morocco are riding a 16-match winning streak since their loss to South Africa at AFCON 2023 and still benefit from the aura of their World Cup semifinal run. Yet, unable to win an AFCON title since 1976, Morocco now play at home, where anything short of victory would be viewed as a major failure. Since 2004, the Atlas Lions have not progressed beyond the quarterfinals, and the expansion to 24 teams has often seen them stumble in the Round of 16. Eliminations against Benin in 2019 and South Africa in 2023 were crushing disappointments. Morocco are once again putting their status as an African powerhouse on the line—a true giant cannot live with just one AFCON title. Achraf Hakimi will be the player to watch, and his recovery is progressing well. His participation alone could significantly boost the confidence of the Atlas Lions.
Dark horse : Egypt
Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, arrive surrounded by uncertainty. The Liverpool star is enduring one of the toughest seasons of his career, plagued by confidence issues and tensions with his club’s staff. A disrupted Salah is set to play in his fifth AFCON. Beyond him, Omar Marmoush is struggling for minutes at Manchester City and has yet to find his place in Guardiola’s system. Egypt therefore head to Morocco with their two biggest stars lacking rhythm and confidence. While that weakens their aura, they remain seven-time African champions. Egypt know how to win gritty, difficult matches and will be one of the tournament’s most dangerous spoilers.
Côte d’Ivoire : a fragile defending champion
Under Emerse Faé, Côte d’Ivoire display a disciplined, methodical style. Not as spectacular as Senegal, the Elephants rely on structure and organization to get results. Their solid World Cup qualifying campaign, conceding zero goals, reflects a team that knows how to defend, built around a reliable spine: goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, the solid Evan Ndicka at the back, and Franck Kessié as the engine in midfield. However, doubts remain about their attacking play, which struggled against Gabon, and the absence of two key creators—Simon Adingra and especially Nicolas Pépé—raises concerns. Côte d’Ivoire therefore face the immense challenge of retaining their title, something not achieved since Egypt managed it between 2006 and 2010.