AFCON 2025 Preview: Mali upset on the cards as Morocco set to dominate
The excitement is building as the best of African football gather in Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) that kicks off on December 21. The host nation is pulling out all the stops to deliver an unforgettable tournament, with dazzling displays on exhibition as 24 participating nations fine-tune preparations. Daily Trust […]
The excitement is building as the best of African football gather in Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) that kicks off on December 21. The host nation is pulling out all the stops to deliver an unforgettable tournament, with dazzling displays on exhibition as 24 participating nations fine-tune preparations.
Daily Trust AFCON preview series runs through each group to showcase the nations and their talented players vying for the coveted trophy.
Group A Nations: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Team to beat: Morocco are the team to beat. The tournament’s favourites are ranked first in Africa, and 11th in the world on the FIFA rankings. Led by Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain wingback and current African Player of the Year, the North African nation’s squad is replete with players plying their trade in some of Europe’s biggest clubs where they are starters.
Whipping Nation: Comoros will be playing in their second AFCON and look the least likely to advance from this tough group. They squeezed through to the round of 16 on their maiden appearance in 2021 but are less likely to achieve similar feat here.
Though the island nation has delivered upset in the past- defeated Ghana 3-2 in 2021, and shocked Tunisia in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers- it will take a monumental effort for the Les Coelencantes to end the losing streak they bring into this tournament.
Surprise performer: Mali topping Group A would be the real surprise, and this could be a possibility with Tom Saintfiet as The Eagles’ coach. Nicknamed “the messiah” and “saint” by former African employers, he has a track record of making below average nations better. He led Gambia to a mazy quarter final run at AFCON 2021, and is getting the best out of Malis since taking charge last year.
Players to watch: Much of the attention will be on Morocco’s array of stars, from Hakimi to Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, and the golden gloves of Yassine Bounou. The creative Amadou Haidara of RB Leipzig is also one to watch for Mali, while Yves Bissouma is expected to anchor Mali’s midfield.
Key match: The group match between Morocco and Mali could prove pivotal in the tournament, and fireworks are expected. A Mali win could derail the Atlas dream, but boost the Eagles’ journey.
Group Prediction: Morocco to top the group without a defeat, Zambia to battle with Comoros at the foot of the table.