The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is about to get started in Morocco. Twenty-four countries will battle it out to be crowned as the very best of the best. This tournament is a celebration of African football, showcasing the talent and skill of some of the continent’s most formidable teams. Morocco, the host nation, will certainly have an important role in the competition. The other top favorites will include defending champions Ivory Coast and Egypt, the record seven-time winners — a team led by none other than great Mohamed Salah.
AFCON’s opening matches will take place across nine venues in six cities, culminating in the final on January 18, 2025. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with a seating capacity of 69,500, will be the venue for this much anticipated contest. Initially slated for June, that was postponed because of the pandemic. To prevent clashes with the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, officials moved its timing.
A Rich History of Competition
Egypt is the all-time most successful nation in AFCON history, with seven titles. It certainly helped that the team delivered jaw-dropping performance after jaw-dropping performance. With superstar Mohamed Salah leading the way, they are very much a dangerous potential dark-horse contender.
Specific to AFCON, it’s a unique tournament because it captures the vibrant cultures of our continent. Every tournament takes on its own character, from its enthusiastic supporters to the specific pace of play on the field,” said ex-Zambia international player Christopher Katongo. He underscored the tournament’s cultural importance.
Morocco, with its passionate fan base and strong footballing heritage, is considered one of the frontrunners for the title. They hope to use their home field support to win what will be their first AFCON title.
Tournament Format and Structure
The tournament will feature a record 24 African teams from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). During the group stage, they meet each other in a double round-robin. The eight groups will feature four teams, and the top two teams will progress to the knockout stages. Plus, the top four third-placed teams will advance as well.
Once in the knockout rounds, matches that end in a draw after normal time will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time and, if necessary, penalties. In addition to the four-team format, there will be a third-place playoff between the two losing semifinalists.
This format grants each competition high stakes, in more ways than one. Yet, it elevates that hype train more than maybe anything to both fans and players so exciting.
The Road Ahead for Contenders
Alongside Egypt and Morocco, the lineup for AFCON 2025 features other African football powerhouses like Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Every country has its own special strengths and tactical approaches that are sure to make this tournament’s level of play truly electrifying.
Tom Saintfiet, a prominent football coach, voiced his concerns regarding perceptions of African football, stating, “Everyone in Europe thinks African football is not important.” His remark underscores both the hopeful resilience and the reality of African football. The sport is still working to increase its presence on the world’s most global stage.
As AFCON approaches, excitement builds around the potential matchups and rivalries that are set to unfold. With such a strong history and deep-rooted rivalry, fans are promised exciting shows of talent and heart all across the tournament.
