As the 2025 tournaments draw to a close, talks of potential winners are getting more intense. This edition has already provided plenty of excitement, featuring top teams, rising stars and very competitive groups.
As you read on, we will break down the four remaining teams, expected contenders, surprise names, and the key players to watch. Our insights are based on expert analysis and performance data.
AFCON Team Line Up For 2025
This table shows how the 24 qualified football teams were grouped for the tournament:
Group A
- Comoros
- Mali
- Morocco
- Zambia
Group B
- Angola
- Egypt
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
Group C
- Nigeria
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Uganda
Group D
- Benin
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Senegal
Group E
- Algeria
- Burkina Faso
- Equatorial Guinea
- Sudan
Group F
- Cameroon
- Gabon
- Ivory Coast
- Mozambique
A closer look at the key teams
One of the great things about AFCON is its balance of teams. This edition has offered a mix of powerhouses and rising nations. This has led to a few surprising results.
Our expert insights single out the teams that stand out based on the form, key players and tactical superiority. The analysis draws on team performance during qualifiers, squad strength and past tournament records. Let’s examine each in turn.
Favourites
Morocco have had the favourites tag heading into this tournament, primarily because they’re the home team. Apart from that, they boast a great squad of players that contains Achraf Hakimi, the sixth-best player in the world, according to the Balon d’Or. He was also named African Player of the Year and has the leadership qualities to lead his nation to victory. In addition to his attributes, he’s incredibly dangerous on the field, especially in the attacking third.
Another key player in their squad in this AFCON is Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, who scored in each of their first five matches in the competition. He only failed to score against Nigeria since the start of this edition of AFCON. Having gotten this far, it will be challenging to defeat them, especially in the final.
- Senegal
- Morocco
Dark Horses
In the context of the 2025 AFCON Final, Senegal will be regarded as underdogs and dark horses. However, they’ve shown enough in this competition to be equally as likely as Morocco to win the tournament. Pape Thiaw will enjoy the fact that his men can play without the pressure of the favourites tag. As a result, they could play more freely.
Having had an almost perfect run to the final, Senegal can’t be underestimated in their quest for a second star. They lost their status as Africa’s number one nation in the World Rankings to Morocco, meaning that this final is bound to be a thriller.
A closer look at the tournament’s top teams
We’ve analysed every team, and a few stand out in the AFCON team predictions. These sides combine individual brilliance with tactical strength, making them strong contenders in the tournament: Let’s look a closer look:
- Senegal – Balanced and disciplined:Senegal have an incredible squad with big-name players all around the pitch. They’ve shown that goals can come from all around the team. The Lions of Teranga have also been solid defensively, conceding only two goals in five matches. They have been clinical in this competition, and defied the odds in their last match against Egypt. Therefore, they will be prepared to face Morocco.
- Morocco – Tactical structure and technical skill: They benefited from a few fortunate decisions in this tournament. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that they are an effective team with excellent players. Brahim Diaz has been their standout performer, scoring in each of their AFCON games so far. Also, they were determined and patient to come through the penalty shootout against Nigeria. This means that they won’t mind going to the spot again.
These teams are going to be very entertaining to watch as AFCON comes to a close.
Team Selection Process
The qualification phase set the stage for all AFCON team predictions. It showed that even some powerhouses can fail at critical moments. Meanwhile, new contenders can go all out to make it through.
Several teams delivered surprising performances during the qualifier schedule. Senegal, for instance, had an unbeaten run with five wins and one draw. This showed consistency in both home and away fixtures. Comoros also shocked everyone with an unbeaten run, with three wins and three losses.
We also saw a strong performance from Nigeria; they secured their spot early with very decisive wins and a strong goal difference. This is a reflection of their attacking prowess.
Morocco and Egypt also showed tactical brilliance with their structural play, relying on clinical finishing to win games.
AFCON wouldn’t be complete without a few surprise qualifiers. Teams like Comoros, Zambia and Equatorial Guinea capitalised on attacking opportunities while maintaining solid defensive structures. This proves upsets are possible in Africa’s premier tournament.
These performances influence both AFCON betting odds and our overall winner predictions.
FAQs about AFCON 2025 Teams
Here is a quick look at some frequently asked questions about the AFCON 2025:
Which AFCON team are favourites for 2025?
Morocco, as they’ve shown tactical consistency and good form going into the tournament and throughout. Home advantage can’t be ruled out for Morocco.
Which AFCON teams are expected to be dark horses?
In the context of the final, Senegal are the dark horses, as they go up against the hosts, but they have enough quality in their ranks to overcome Morocco.
Who are the key players in AFCON teams to watch?
Three key players who always have something to look forward to are Sadio Mane of Senegal and Brahim Diaz of Morocco.
How did the AFCON teams qualify for 2025?
The qualification was decided through a group-stage format. Those who finished on top of the group and the best runners-up qualified for the tournament.