Kigali, Rwanda – The 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) kicks off tomorrow in Morocco, carrying with it the familiar blend of expectation, ambition, and unpredictability that defines Africa’s biggest football stage.
AFCON arrives at a moment when the tournament’s global profile has never been stronger, yet its competitive essence remains unchanged: Reputations offer no guarantees, and every match can redraw the hierarchy of African football.
As 24 teams prepare to compete for the continent’s most prestigious trophy, the narrative is already taking shape. Established powers arrive as favorites, backed by pedigree and star quality, while lesser-fancied sides embrace the tournament with belief and defiance.
Off the pitch, unprecedented broadcast reach ensures that this contest will be watched more widely than ever before, amplifying every triumph, upset, and moment of drama.
This edition, hosted by Morocco, promises not only elite football but also a powerful statement about the growing reach, confidence, and commercial strength of African football on the world stage.
A tournament with global eyes
On the eve of the tournament, the Confederation of African Football announced a record 20 broadcast partnerships spanning more than 30 European territories, marking the widest international media reach in AFCON history.
The agreements ensure that the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will be accessible to millions of viewers across Europe.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the development reflects the growing stature of African football. “This will ensure unprecedented visibility and accessibility, bringing the continental showpiece to millions of football fans across Europe,” he said.
A landmark deal with Channel 4 in the United Kingdom means all 52 matches will be shown free-to-air for the first time, a significant boost for the tournament’s profile in a major football market.
New agreements with Movistar in Spain, ERT in Greece, and VGTV in Norway further extend AFCON’s reach, while strong partnerships in Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are expected to drive even greater engagement.
CAF described the expansion as a strategic milestone. “These agreements mark a major step forward in our strategy to grow the reach, visibility, and value of African football worldwide,” the organization said,
With global eyes firmly fixed on Morocco, attention now turns to the teams expected to shape the tournament’s sporting narrative. The influence of Europe’s African and Moroccan diaspora will go a long way in amplifying viewership.
Favourites carry pressure, challengers carry belief
Morocco begin the competition as clear favourites, backed by home advantage and outstanding form. The Atlas Lions arrive on an 18-match winning streak and boast a squad rich in quality and depth.
Their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup elevated expectations, and players such as Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz are expected to play central roles in their title push.
Egypt, Africa’s most successful nation, also enter the tournament with renewed ambition. Although the Pharaohs have not lifted the trophy since 2010, their blend of experience and emerging talent keeps them firmly among the contenders.
Mohamed Salah remains the team’s focal point, while Omar Marmoush adds attacking dynamism after his move to Manchester City.
Senegal, champions in 2021, continue to project consistency and balance with experienced leaders like Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye, and Sadio Mané, complemented by younger options such as Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye.
Algeria complete the group of traditional heavyweights. Winners in 2019, the Fennecs are seeking redemption after disappointing early exits in the last two tournaments.
Encouraging performances in World Cup qualifiers and the emergence of prolific forward Mohamed Amoura have restored belief within the camp.
Yet AFCON’s identity is shaped as much by defiance as dominance. Uganda arrive in Morocco determined to challenge perceptions after being drawn into a demanding group with Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania. While ranked below their rivals on paper, the Cranes are undeterred.
“No team will be comfortable playing us. Even against the big nations, we’ve always shown ourselves in a good light. It’s time to prove that again,” said Uganda forward Melvyn Lorenzen.
Uganda’s confidence is not without context. Nigeria have struggled for consistency in recent qualifiers, Tunisia are no longer the force they once were, and Tanzania represent a familiar and evenly matched opponent. In such a competitive group, discipline and belief could be decisive.
As AFCON 2025 begins, the heavyweights may be favoured, but history suggests they will be tested. For the underdogs, reputation is irrelevant. In Africa’s biggest football arena, conviction often travels further than credentials.
