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Kylain Mbappe backing Morocco to win AFCON

Kylian Mbappe is backing Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco to go the distance in front of their fans at the prestigious competition, according to national team captain Achraf Hakimi. Real Madrid star Mbappe was in attendance for Morocco's 1-1 group stage draw with Mali with the hosts tipped by many to win AFCON for the first time since their initial success in 1976.

AFCON contenders GFX

Who will win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations?

In Europe, much of the build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has unfortunately - but inevitably - focused on which clubs will be most affected by the tournament's scheduling slap-bang in the middle of the season. As an incredibly prestigious tournament that rarely fails to deliver a barely-believable amount of drama, the AFCON deserves so much better.

Frequently asked questions

The members of the St. Mary's Church of England Young Men's Association founded a club in 1885, which was referred to by the press as St Mary's Y.M.A. They later became simply St. Mary's F.C. in 1887-88, before changing their name to Southampton St. Mary's upon joining the Southern League in 1894. However, the club became a limited company after their Southern League title win at the end of 1896-97, following which they were known as Southampton F.C.

Southampton are owned by Sport Republic, a London-based investment firm, who own an 80% stake in the club. Dragan Solak is the firm's lead investor.

Southampton play their home games at the St. Mary's Stadium, which is South East London's largest stadium. The club started playing their games at this stadium in 2001.

St. Mary's Stadium has a capacity of 32,384, making it South East London's largest football stadium.

Southampton have won just one trophy throughout their history, an FA Cup in 1976, in which they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the final.

Southampton are yet to be crowned the champions of the Premier League. They have never won an English top flight title.

Terry Paine, with 713 appearances, is the club's record appearance make of all-time.

Mick Channon is the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 227 goals in 607 appearances, spread across two different stints.

Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, James Ward-Prowse, Dusan Tadic, and Bobby Stokes are among the most famous players to have donned a Southampton shirt.

Mauricio Pochettino, Ralph Hassenhuttl, Ted Bates, and Ronald Koeman are among Southampton's most famous managers.

Southampton are also known as The Saints among their own fans and rivals.