Buckle up, we’re taking off – AFCON begins!

The Africa Cup of Nations returns this weekend as Morocco hosts the 2025 edition of the continent’s premier international tournament. The opening match takes place on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where the Atlas Lions begin their Group A campaign against Comoros. The competition will run through to 18 January 2026, with Morocco targeting a long-awaited second continental crown, their first since 1976.

As hosts, Morocco carry heavy expectations—amplified by their remarkable run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, a historic achievement that reshaped perceptions of African football on the global stage. Head coach Walid Regragui has made it clear that ambition and urgency go hand in hand.

“Our focus is on the here and now. We have to win,” Regragui stated ahead of kickoff.

Yet beyond immediate success, Morocco’s vision extends further. With the 2026 World Cup and the 2030 tournament—co-hosted by Morocco—on the horizon, Regragui is laying long-term foundations.

“The objective is to build a mature, elite team that can peak in 2030,” he explained.

Hosts reveal their hand: Hakimi leads top contenders at AFCON

Morocco receive a timely boost with the return of captain Achraf Hakimi, who has shaken off an ankle injury suffered in November during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich. While the 27-year-old may not start against Comoros, he is available if required.

“No one has given more over the last few weeks than Hakimi,” Regragui said. “His recovery has been exemplary and sets the standard for everyone.”

This year’s AFCON marks the 35th edition of the tournament and only the second time Morocco has hosted it, following the 1988 competition. All 24 qualified nations—who emerged from a qualification process held between March and November 2024—have prior AFCON experience.

Group A features Morocco alongside Comoros, Mali, and Zambia. Elsewhere, record champions Egypt, who have lifted the trophy seven times, headline Group B with Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Notably, the four pre-tournament favorites—Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, and reigning champions Cote d’Ivoire—have been placed in separate groups, ensuring balance and intrigue in the opening phase.

Egypt begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on Monday, 22 December, at Adrar Stadium, while South Africa face Angola the same day. A heavyweight clash between Egypt and South Africa is scheduled for Friday, 26 December. Senegal, champions in 2021, kick off against Botswana on Tuesday, 23 December, aiming to reclaim continental supremacy. Cote d’Ivoire start their title defense on Wednesday, 24 December, when they meet Mozambique in Marrakech.

AFCON 2025 will once again showcase Africa’s elite talent. Mohamed Salah enters the tournament desperate to finally add an AFCON medal to his glittering career. Victor Osimhen, now leading the line for Galatasaray, remains Nigeria’s most potent attacking threat as they seek to go beyond their runner-up finish last time out. Senegal will rely on the experience and leadership of Sadio Mane, while Morocco’s attacking spark will come from the technical brilliance of Brahim Diaz and the dynamism of Hakimi.

Gabon’s hopes rest heavily on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the nation’s all-time top scorer, whose international career spans more than a decade. For Cote d’Ivoire, Franck Kessie provides steel and leadership in midfield, having played a decisive role in their 2023 triumph.

Off the pitch, the Confederation of African Football has increased the tournament’s financial incentives, raising the winner’s prize from 6 million to 9 million euros—a significant statement of intent for African football’s flagship event.

AFCON shakes the Premier League: Black Cats suffer the heaviest blow

As ever, AFCON’s timing creates friction with the European calendar. Staged over the Christmas and New Year period, the tournament will leave clubs short-handed. The Premier League is expected to feel the impact most acutely, with 45 African players departing for international duty.

Sunderland face the heaviest losses with seven players absent, followed by Wolverhampton Wanderers with five. Manchester United and Manchester City will be without three and two African internationals respectively, while Liverpool’s only absentee is Mohamed Salah.

LIST OF PAST AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS FINALS:

1957: Egypt – Ethiopia 4:0

1959: Egypt – Sudan 2:1

1962: Ethiopia – Egypt 2:2; after extra time 4:2

1963: Ghana – Sudan 3:0

1965: Ghana – Tunisia 2:2; after extra time 3:2

1968: DR Congo – Ghana 1:0

1970: Sudan – Ghana 1:0

1972: Congo – Mali 3:2

1974: DR Congo – Zambia 2:2; replay: 2:0

1976: Morocco – Guinea 1:1 (Morocco finished first in the final group)

1978: Ghana – Uganda 2:0

1980: Nigeria – Algeria 3:0

1982: Ghana – Libya 1:1; penalties 7:6

1984: Cameroon – Nigeria 3:1

1986: Egypt – Cameroon 0:0; penalties 5:4

1988: Cameroon – Nigeria 1:0

1990: Algeria – Nigeria 1:0

1992: Ivory Coast – Ghana 0:0; penalties 11:10

1994: Nigeria – Zambia 2:1

1996: South Africa – Tunisia 2:0

1998: Egypt – South Africa 2:0

2000: Cameroon – Nigeria 2:2; penalties 4:3

2002: Cameroon – Senegal 0:0; penalties 3:2

2004: Tunisia – Morocco 2:1

2006: Egypt – Ivory Coast 0:0; penalties 4:2

2008: Egypt – Cameroon 1:0

2010: Egypt – Ghana 1:0

2012: Zambia – Ivory Coast 0:0; penalties 8:7

2013: Nigeria – Burkina Faso 1:0

2015: Ivory Coast – Ghana 0:0; penalties 9:8

2017: Cameroon – Egypt 2:1

2019: Algeria – Senegal 1:0

2022: Senegal – Egypt 0:0; penalties 4:2

2024: Ivory Coast – Nigeria 2:1

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS - GROUP STAGE

Sunday

22.00: (1.15) Morocco (7.50) Comores (20.0)

Monday

17.00: (1.60) Mali (3.60) Zambia (6.50)

20.00: (2.60) S.Africa (2.90) Angola (3.05)

23.00: (1.37) Egypt (4.50) Zimbabwe (10.0)

Tuesday

15.30: (1.67) Dr Congo (3.50) Benin (5.80)

18.00: (1.25) Senegal (5.70) Botswana (13.0)

20.30: (1.45) Nigeria (4.20) Tanzania (8.00)

23.00: (1.70) Tunisia (3.50) Uganda (5.50)

Wednesday

15.30: (1.80) Burkina Faso (3.50) Equatorial Guinea (4.70)

18.00: (1.45) Algeria (4.20) Sudan (8.00)

20.30: (1.40) Ivory Coast (4.50) Mozambique (8.50)

23.00: (2.15) Cameroon (3.25) Gabon (3.60)

***odds are subject to change***