Guest Blog Written By Brandon Evans of Soccer Post Huntingdon Valley

The 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is underway! As we head into the new year and approach the Quarterfinals, who will win it all in Morocco?  

For those who don’t regularly tune in to African football, the Africa Cup of Nations, or AFCON, is the premier international cup competition on the African continent – similar to that of the Euros, Copa América, or the Gold Cup here in North America. Each corner of the globe has its own unique soccer culture, whether it's on-field tactics or the fan atmosphere, and this diversity is on display every two years at the AFCON.

From the Maghreb in the North, the Lusophone countries on the Southwest and Southeast coastlines, to the Francophone and Anglophone nations right under the Sahara, and everything else in between, this tournament gives each country a place to show how they enjoy this sport, leading to a competition filled with excitement, passion, unpredictability, and beautiful chaos.

The 2025 AFCON has been no different, with several headlines grabbing everyone’s attention. One defining characteristic of this year’s tournament is perhaps the immense amount of standout performances. Brahim Díaz, Ademola Lookman, Amad Diallo, Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, Lassine Sinayoko, Hannibal Mejbri, Lyle Foster, and many others are all showing up when their nations need them most. It's clear Africa’s brightest stars are shining, but who will lift the cup in the end? 

Morocco

Most people’s favorites both before and during the tournament, Morocco has a real shot to win their first AFCON in nearly 50 years. Not only are they the host nation with the home crowd supporting them every match, but this is probably the most talented Moroccan generation ever. This crop of players is so deep that Morocco sent a reserve squad to the 2025 Arab Cup last month, and still became champions. With their historic run to the 2022 World Cup Semifinals in mind, Moroccan football is in a great spot, but with all this success comes much higher expectations, and the immense pressure that this team has never felt before could be their Achilles heel. 

On paper, Morocco has marched to the Quarterfinals undefeated, scoring seven goals and conceding only one, but the pessimistic fan will say their coach, Walid Regragui, is far too defensive. The team looks nervous, and their 1-1 draw with Mali is cause for concern, but all these uncertainties will be addressed when they face Cameroon later this week.

Cameroon

Morocco’s Quarterfinal opponent will be Cameroon, the second-most successful team in AFCON history. Facing the host nation is never an easy task, but Cameroon is growing into the tournament. 

Entering this AFCON with low spirits after their failed World Cup Qualification and a team without most of their previous generation of veterans, the group stage was a mixed bag. They followed it up with a very impressive win over the enigmatic South Africa in the Round of 16, finally clicking into form. Can this momentum carry them into the next round??

Senegal

Just four years ago, Senegal was the undisputed best team in Africa, winning the 2021 AFCON with a squad littered with top talent. However, they have fallen from the summit in recent years, with a disappointing title defense at AFCON 2023. But even as many of their star players have gotten older, such as Sadio Mané and Pape Gueye, the team mentality remains intact. 

Being away from the spotlight has allowed Senegal to fly somewhat under the radar, securing a formidable run to the Quarterfinals, racking up several incredibly solid performances. While the attention might not be on them, it would be no surprise to see them win the AFCON yet again.

Mali

Most fans would say Mali is the weakest team left in the tournament, but that is more a testament to how strong the rest of the pack is, because  Mali is no pushover. In previous editions, they have consistently performed well, and this year has been more of the same. Notably holding Morocco to a 1-1 draw in the group stage before flipping the odds and eliminating Tunisia on penalties in the last round, Mali is an extremely difficult team to play against. 

It must be said, however, that their defensive approach often leaves them devoid of ideas in the attacking third, and they have yet to win a game in regulation. While Senegal is certainly favored to progress, it will be no easy task either way.

Algeria

One of the more thrilling teams this tournament, Algeria has a real shot at winning the AFCON in their rival’s backyard. What makes their campaign so interesting is that they have a point to prove. Algeria emphatically won the 2019 AFCON and strolled to victory at the 2021 Arab Cup, but endured a period of hardship afterwards,   suffering consecutive first-round exits at the next two AFCONs and missing out on the 2022 World Cup in dramatic fashion. 

But it seems a new era is here. With Riyad Mahrez turning back the years, supported by new talents such as Anis Hadj Moussa and Ibrahim Maza, Algeria brushed aside all their opponents in the group stage before defeating the tricky DR Congo in the Round of 16. When all is said and done, Algeria is arguably the most well-rounded team this time around.

Nigeria

The team Algeria will face in the Quarterfinals is Nigeria, making this the most anticipated matchup of the round, and probably of the tournament thus far. Simply put, Nigeria is the most exciting team at AFCON 2025. Scoring a monstrous 12 goals across four games, the frightening frontline of Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Akor Adams has finally started to click. 

Like their upcoming opponents, Nigeria also has a point to prove after recently missing out on the 2026 World Cup, meaning this is their final stage to shine. It must be said, though, that one visible flaw within this Nigerian team is their sometimes-porous defense. If this Nigerian team can remain consistent and compact, they can beat anyone on their day.

Egypt

Egypt at the 2025 AFCON is an interesting case. With seven titles, “The Pharaohs” are the most prestigious team in AFCON history. However, they haven’t won the tournament since 2010, with some dramatic and painful losses in recent years. 

Facing managerial changes, a changing of the guard, and inconsistent form for both club and country from stars, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, Egypt has struggled its way through the tournament. But for all the criticism, they are one game away from the Semifinals, and with a team this talented, an eighth title could be inbound.

Ivory Coast

Standing in front of Egypt and potential history is Ivory Coast, the reigning champions of Africa. The Ivorians won the 2023 AFCON on home soil in cinematic fashion with one of the greatest underdog stories in football. While they relied on luck and the home crowd to carry them to victory last time, it seems the Ivory Coast has been able to build upon that experience. 

With much of the same squad bolstered by emerging talents like Amad Diallo, Ivory Coast exploded into the tournament, building strong momentum. After dull performances in their first two matches, they responded with a passionate 3-2 comeback against Gabon, then blew out Burkina Faso 3-0 in the Round of 16. While Ivory Coast might not have the talent some other teams here have on paper, they are still reigning champions for a reason.

Regardless of who wins the 2025 AFCON, it will be a fitting end to such an already exhilarating tournament. The Quarterfinals kick off Friday, so support your nation during the tournament by visiting your local Soccer Post and picking up a jersey to rep your colors!