The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), starting December 21st, places immense pressure on host nation Morocco, who enter the tournament as clear favourites.
Riding high from their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run and recent triumphs in youth and women’s football (including CAF Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi), the Atlas Lions are currently the top-ranked African team, holding 11th in FIFA standings.
However, the path of the host-favourite is treacherous.
Morocco’s past attempt to win on home soil in the 1988 AFCON ended in a semi-final loss, a historical parallel that casts doubt on their expected victory.
Their biggest historical rival, Nigeria, remains a significant threat.
Despite the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, their AFCON pedigree is superior, boasting 15 semi-final appearances to Morocco’s five.
Nigeria also holds a stronger head-to-head record against the Atlas Lions in the tournament.
With the AFCON now considered among the world’s fiercest continental competitions, Morocco will need to overcome tough contenders, including Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria, to finally secure the title they last won in 1976.
