{"id":662480,"date":"2025-12-19T18:52:32","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T23:52:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=662480"},"modified":"2025-12-19T21:20:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-20T02:20:18","slug":"afcon-2025-group-stage-preview-hosts-morocco-enter-as-tournament-favorites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/12\/19\/afcon-2025-group-stage-preview-hosts-morocco-enter-as-tournament-favorites\/","title":{"rendered":"AFCON 2025 Group Stage Preview: Hosts Morocco Enter as Tournament Favorites"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The 2025 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/sports\/fifa_world_cup\/africa-cup-of-nations-begins-with-host-morocco-promising-a-spectacle-heres-all-you-need-to-know\/ar-AA1SEaUY?ocid=BingNewsSerp\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Africa Cup of Nations<\/a> kicks off on December 21 and runs through January 18, 2026, offering African nations more than just continental bragging rights. This edition of AFCON doubles as a proving ground ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a chance for teams, players, and supporters to measure themselves on a global trajectory.<\/p>\n<p>AFCON has always thrived on drama and unpredictability, but this year\u2019s tournament feels especially loaded: established powers face growing challengers, hosts carry expectation, and several nations see this as the bridge between promise and legacy. Here\u2019s how the group stage could unfold.<\/p>\n<h2>Hosts Morocco Expected To Win Their Group<\/h2>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2164967202\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 66.66667% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/2164967202?et=84Mo-m3DQ79ZlfJKFPd-gg&amp;tld=com&amp;sig=Kv8wkVZv0Yd68ZRGl9CUaBxfEQGgjqt4gyQasvl-NoE=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Morocco enter AFCON 2025 with a legitimate <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/14\/nine-african-nations-including-senegal-secure-direct-berths-to-2026-fifa-world-cup\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">claim as CAF\u2019s strongest side<\/a>. World Cup semifinalists in 2022, the Atlas Lions are enjoying a moment of institutional strength from top to bottom. Even Morocco\u2019s depth has impressed \u2014 a \u201cB team\u201d recently <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/sports\/soccer\/morocco-beats-jordan-3-2-after-extra-time-to-win-the-arab-cup-title\/ar-AA1SDgye?ocid=BingNewsSerp\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">won the 2025 Arab Cup<\/a> in dramatic fashion, while youth teams and domestic clubs continue to compete deep into international tournaments.<\/p>\n<p>This senior side cruised through World Cup qualifying with an 8-0-0 record and a +20 goal difference, reinforcing expectations that Morocco will again be a factor in 2026. Drawn into a World Cup group with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, Morocco <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/sports\/fifa_world_cup\/will-afcon-2025-be-a-defining-moment-for-morocco\/ar-AA1SGxsK?ocid=BingNewsSerp\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">expects to advance<\/a> \u2014 but first, there is unfinished business at home.<\/p>\n<p>Hosting AFCON for the first time since 1988, Morocco are chasing a second continental title, their only triumph coming in 1976. Their group includes Mali, Zambia, and Comoros \u2014 none of whom qualified for the World Cup.<\/p>\n<p>Mali are favored to finish second and boast a well-balanced squad featuring Tottenham\u2019s Yves Bissouma, RB Leipzig\u2019s Amadou Haidara, Fenerbahce\u2019s Dorgeles Nene, and Brest\u2019s emerging striker Kamory Doumbia.<\/p>\n<p>Comoros, ranked outside FIFA\u2019s top 100, rely heavily on France-based players. Standard Li\u00e8ge (Belgium) striker Rafiki Said has been productive internationally, scoring seven goals in 13 appearances.<\/p>\n<p>Zambia enter as underdogs, but Leicester City forward <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/06\/30\/patson-daka-leicester-city\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Patson Daka<\/a> remains a constant threat, even within a squad largely built from domestic league talent.<\/p>\n<p>Morocco\u2019s only lingering concern is the fitness of Achraf Hakimi. The PSG star and team captain may not be fully fit at kickoff, though his potential return later in the tournament would be significant. Even without him, the squad remains deep, featuring Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi and Real Madrid playmaker Brahim D\u00edaz.<\/p>\n<p>Group A Projection: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros<\/p>\n<h3>Salah&#8217;s Egypt Clash With South Africa<\/h3>\n<p>Group B features two World Cup-bound nations and a clear clash of ambition between Egypt and South Africa. Mohamed Salah\u2019s club future with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/07\/15\/liverpool-approach-alexander-isak-newcastle\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Liverpool<\/a> may be uncertain, but his leadership role with Egypt is not. The Pharaohs enter as slight favorites in a group that also includes Angola and Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n<p>Seven-time AFCON champions, Egypt haven\u2019t lifted the trophy since 2010, but expectations remain high. They qualified for the World Cup unbeaten (8-2-0), while South Africa\u2019s solid 5-3-2 record also earned passage. Angola and Zimbabwe struggled during qualifying, underlining the gap between contenders and chasers.<\/p>\n<p>Egypt\u2019s attack is built around Salah, supported by Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed, while the midfield and defense lean heavily on domestic stalwarts from Al Ahly, including Trezeguet.<\/p>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1936151997\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 69.36027% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/1936151997?et=c2p45Z_kTedVky_Yyb1Fhw&amp;tld=com&amp;sig=xF5P33LndGG8lYxaQDfR6Wp6KDnqxrCcdwAd7iomNhM=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"412\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>South Africa\u2019s squad is similarly domestic-focused, though Burnley striker Lyle Foster stands out. Mamelodi Sundowns, fresh from FIFA Club World Cup participation, are well represented, including goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.<\/p>\n<p>Zimbabwe draw heavily from the UK football pyramid, with Wolverhampton\u2019s Tawanda Chirewa among the notable names. Angola, meanwhile, bring youth and creativity, led by Cagliari\u2019s Zito Luvumbo, Famalic\u00e3o defender Pedro Bondo, and the technically gifted midfielder known simply as Maestro.<\/p>\n<p>Group B Projection: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe<\/p>\n<h3>Nigeria Looks for AFCON Redemption<\/h3>\n<p>Group C sets up as a duel between Nigeria and Tunisia. On paper, Nigeria remain one of Africa\u2019s most talented sides, but recent failures \u2014 including <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/11\/18\/iraq-and-dr-congo-join-2026-world-cup-intercontinental-playoffs-field\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">missing the World Cup<\/a> \u2014 have cast a long shadow. Disputes between players and federation have only added to the tension.<\/p>\n<p>Still, the Super Eagles have firepower. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Chidera Ejuke headline a squad capable of scoring its way into the knockout rounds. Nigeria were eliminated on penalties by DR Congo in the World Cup qualifying playoff after a mixed qualifying first round, but AFCON offers a chance at reset.<\/p>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1738533855\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 69.865326% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/1738533855?et=JCfqTULISC5AzKdPdLXvLw&amp;tld=com&amp;sig=Qm8mUw4Tdexg1GUBNzlirfyo02ZFmI5km9gbYW08H0o=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"415\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Tunisia, meanwhile, arrive with momentum. The 2004 champions went 9-1-0 in qualifying and remain ruthlessly efficient. Veterans like Ellyes Skhiri anchor the side, while Burnley\u2019s Hannibal Mejbri adds youthful energy.<\/p>\n<p>Uganda and Tanzania round out the group. Uganda\u2019s 6-0-4 qualifying record for the World Cup suggests they could sneak into the knockout stage from third. Tanzania lack top-league representation, but veteran striker Mbwana Samatta remains a consistent scoring threat.<\/p>\n<p>Group C Projection: Tunisia, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania<\/p>\n<h3>DR Congo Looks To Continue Recent Success<\/h3>\n<p>Group D may belong to Senegal, but DR Congo loom as the tournament\u2019s most intriguing dark horse. Fresh off winning a FIFA intercontinental playoff spot, they are building toward something bigger.<\/p>\n<p>Twice AFCON champions, DR Congo actually hold more continental titles than Senegal. Both teams shared a World Cup qualifying group, where Senegal edged the standings at 7-3-0, with DR Congo close behind at 7-1-2. Familiarity could breed danger.<\/p>\n<p>DR Congo\u2019s squad includes veteran defender Chancel Mbemba and striker C\u00e9dric Bakambu, while Senegal boast elite European talent such as Sadio Man\u00e9 (now in the Saudi Pro LeagueL, Bayern&#8217;s Nicolas Jackson, Isma\u00efla Sarr (Crystal Palace), and Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham). Emerging prospects like PSG\u2019s Ibrahim Mbaye and Sunderland\u2019s Habib Diarra add depth.<\/p>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2246917011\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 68.51852% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/2246917011?et=Byb-0eKWSPRmLGSk75OeMw&amp;tld=com&amp;sig=fGnXhP-XTAhzFpWcy8lpZIIOpp5tMuv7v0f6KObIsPI=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"407\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Benin quietly posted a 5-2-3 qualifying record, while Botswana struggled throughout qualification. Senegal should still top the group, but DR Congo have the tools to challenge.<\/p>\n<p>Group D Projection: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana<\/p>\n<h3>Algeria Aims for Knockout Stage<\/h3>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1948402122\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 66.66667% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/1948402122?et=bZtw2YK_QA9UmIPZ2MpPbg&amp;tld=com&amp;sig=J1A57GjWeccLvxbdkV1Ku4MKNZw1iQ9xHbwJzA1MxWs=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Algeria, Morocco\u2019s regional rivals, are eyeing a return to relevance after winning AFCON in 2019. Defensively sound and tactically disciplined, the Desert Foxes qualified for the World Cup with an 8-1-1 record and enter as group favorites.<\/p>\n<p>Riyad Mahrez remains captain, supported by Ramy Bensebaini and Rayan A\u00eft-Nouri. Algeria are also injecting youth, with Bayer Leverkusen\u2019s Ibrahim Maza gaining valuable tournament experience.<\/p>\n<p>Burkina Faso should not be overlooked. Their 6-3-1 qualifying run showcased balance and belief, with Edmond Tapsoba (Leverkusen), Dango Ouattara, and Bertrand Traor\u00e9 providing quality.<\/p>\n<p>Sudan and Equatorial Guinea round out the group. Sudan rely heavily on Al Hilal domestic players, while Equatorial Guinea feature Sparta Prague midfielder Santiago Eneme and promising young attackers.<\/p>\n<p>Group E Projection: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan<\/p>\n<h3>Ivory Coast Looks To Defend AFCON Title<\/h3>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1935912906\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 66.66667% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/1935912906?et=Yju623KwSmdtqBcMGzxmFw&amp;tld=com&amp;sig=UzABsKN_SLYGOUyJ07ayNEQ3uTZmSq5TBImnt9v7t-w=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ivory Coast arrive as defending champions and serious contenders, riding an 8-2-0 World Cup qualifying campaign. Their group, however, may be the toughest of the tournament.<\/p>\n<p>Cameroon, five-time AFCON winners, narrowly missed World Cup qualification. Gabon went 8-1-1 in qualifying and are firmly in win-now mode, while Mozambique was a respectable 6-0-4 during World Cup qualifying, though they are not expected to be as competitive in this group.<\/p>\n<p>Gabon are led by Denis Bouanga (LAFC) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille), with Mario Lemina (Galatasaray) controlling midfield. Ivory Coast counter with Evan Ndicka (Roma), Franck Kessi\u00e9, Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte FC), Amad Diallo, and young RB Leipzig prospect Yan Diomande.<\/p>\n<p>Cameroon still have quality in Carlos Baleba and Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United), but depth concerns leave them vulnerable. In a group this tight, reputation alone won\u2019t be enough.<\/p>\n<p>The opening stages of AFCON 2025 promise intensity, emotion, and no shortage of surprises. By the time the group stage ends, we\u2019ll know which CAF nations are building toward something lasting \u2014 and which were merely passing through on reputation alone.<\/p>\n<p>Group F Projection: Ivory Coast, Gabon, Cameroon, Mozambique.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Imago Images Copyright: xLatinxSportxImagesx<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on December 21 and runs through January 18, 2026, offering African nations more than just continental bragging rights. This edition of AFCON doubles as a proving ground ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a chance for teams, players, and supporters to measure themselves on a global trajectory. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1442,"featured_media":660626,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[161,2,30],"tags":[32684,790,32683,1319,446,4698,1814,932,2113,6461],"class_list":["post-662480","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international-football","category-featured","category-news","tag-2025-afcon","tag-afcon","tag-afcon-2025","tag-african-cup-of-nations","tag-egypt","tag-ghana","tag-morocco","tag-nigeria","tag-senegal","tag-south-africa"],"modified_by":"Steen Kirby","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662480","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1442"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=662480"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662480\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":662483,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662480\/revisions\/662483"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/660626"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=662480"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=662480"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=662480"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}