The wait is finally over. This Sunday, December 21, the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco. With 24 nations, nine world-class venues, and a constellation of global superstars, the next four weeks will see the continent’s finest battle for the most coveted trophy in African football.

The Opening Act: Morocco vs. Comoros

The tournament begins in the capital, Rabat, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Host nation Morocco, currently riding a record-breaking 18-game winning streak, will face Comoros. For the Atlas Lions, this isn’t just a home tournament; it’s a mission to end a 50-year drought, having last won the title in 1976.

The Heavyweights: Who are the Favorites?

According to the latest Opta predictions, the title race is wide open, but a few giants stand out:

• Morocco (19.1%): The clear favorites. Boasting home-field advantage and a “Golden Generation” featuring Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi, anything less than a final appearance will be seen as a failure.
• Egypt (12.4%): The record seven-time champions. All eyes are on Mohamed Salah, whose future at Liverpool remains the subject of intense speculation. This could be his final shot at continental glory.
• Senegal (12.3%): The 2021 champions are looking for redemption. With Sadio Mané leading a squad packed with Premier League talent, the Teranga Lions are built for tournament football.
• Nigeria: With the newly crowned African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman and the clinical Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles have the most feared attack in the competition.

5 Stars to Watch in Morocco

1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt): The “Egyptian King” needs no introduction. Can he finally lift the one trophy that has eluded him?
2. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): The Galatasaray forward is just six goals away from equalling Nigeria’s all-time scoring record.
3. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): The PSG wing-back is the heartbeat of the host nation, though fans are sweating on his ankle fitness.
4. Brahim Díaz (Morocco): The Real Madrid playmaker has been in sensational form, scoring seven goals in the qualifying rounds.
5. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): After his Europa League final hat-trick and winning the POTY, Lookman is the man in form.

Venues and Atmosphere

Morocco has pulled out all the stops, utilizing nine stadiums across six iconic cities, including Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakesh, and Fez. These venues are part of Morocco’s massive infrastructure push as they prepare to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The group stages will run until December 31, with the knockout rounds starting on January 3. It all culminates in the Grand Final on January 18, 2026, in Rabat.

Sources

• CAF Online: Everything You Need to Know About AFCON 2025 – Official tournament details, groups, and schedules.
• Al Jazeera Sports: AFCON 2025: Full Match Schedule and Format – Complete fixtures and venue guide.
• Olympics.com: Key Players to Follow in Morocco – In-depth profiles of the tournament’s biggest stars.
• Sports Mole: 10 Biggest Stars to Watch at AFCON 2025 – Statistical analysis of player form heading into the tournament.
• BeIN Sports: Opta Supercomputer Favorites for AFCON 2025 – Data-driven predictions for the tournament winner.