Afcon 2025 Begins in Morocco: Big Names, Big Pressure, and Big Surprises Ahead
The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2025 officially kicks off this Sunday in Morocco, and attention is finally moving from off-field arguments to football on the pitch, according to the BBC.
For months, there have been heated debates about player availability and the timing of the tournament. But as the first match approaches, fans are now focused on the real action. The BBC reports that two major questions dominate early discussions:
Can host nation Morocco continue their record-breaking winning run and win the trophy? And will Mohamed Salah finally lift the Afcon trophy with Egypt?
Morocco Under Pressure at Home
Morocco enter the tournament as favourites, thanks to home advantage and their strong form in recent years. The BBC notes that the Atlas Lions have won 18 matches in a row, a world record. They are also Africa’s top-ranked team after their historic semi-final finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, the BBC explains that Morocco’s record comes with some caution. Most of their wins were not against top-ranked teams, meaning the pressure will be high when facing strong opponents in Afcon.
Morocco last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1976, and fans are desperate for another title. According to the BBC, tickets sold out within hours, showing how high expectations are.
Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat told the BBC World Service that playing with heart and passion matters most in Africa. He said home fans can give the team extra energy, just like they did at the World Cup.
Mohamed Salah’s Final Push?
Another big storyline, as reported by the BBC, is Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian star is playing in his fifth Afcon and is still chasing his first title after losing two finals.
The BBC highlights that Salah’s club future at Liverpool has been under intense discussion after his recent public comments, but Afcon gives him a chance to fully focus on national pride.
For Egypt, Afcon 2025 may be Salah’s best chance yet to finally achieve continental glory.
Afcon Is Never Predictable
The BBC strongly reminds fans that Afcon is known for surprises. Ivory Coast shocked the world last year by winning the tournament at home, even after sacking their coach during the group stage.
Senegal have also impressed, with the BBC noting their recent win over England as proof of their strength.
Nigeria are aiming to improve after finishing second in the last edition, while Cameroon, a traditional powerhouse, appear to be struggling with internal problems, according to the BBC.
With seven different winners in the last eight Afcon tournaments, the BBC says fans should expect drama, shocks, and emotional moments once again.
Complaints Over Tournament Timing
The BBC reports that the mid-season timing of Afcon continues to frustrate European clubs. This year’s calendar was especially tight because of FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup.
FIFA eventually reduced the player release period from 14 days to seven days, a decision the BBC says caused chaos for many African teams.
Mali’s coach called the decision “catastrophic,” while Comoros had to cancel training camps and friendly matches, according to the BBC.
Despite the complaints, the BBC explains that Caf insists on holding Afcon every two years because it is the organization’s main source of income, which helps develop football across Africa.
Cameroon in Crisis, New Hope for Others
Cameroon’s preparation has been messy, the BBC reports, with the federation dismissing coach Marc Brys and leaving out big names like Andre Onana and Vincent Aboubakar.
Elsewhere, South Africa, Algeria, and Sudan are quietly building momentum. The BBC notes that Sudan qualified despite playing all their matches away from home due to civil war.
Botswana, Mozambique, and Tanzania are still chasing their first-ever Afcon wins, while Tanzania is also preparing to co-host Afcon 2027 with Kenya and Uganda, according to the BBC.
Final Thoughts
With 12 former champions competing, the BBC believes a first-time winner is unlikely. Still, Afcon’s history proves that nothing is guaranteed.
From passionate fans to political challenges, from star players to underdogs, the BBC describes Afcon 2025 as more than just football — it is emotion, identity, and pride.
As always, Africa’s biggest football tournament promises one thing for sure: expect the unexpected, as highlighted by the BBC.
Credit: BBC