• Algeria, led by Riyad Mahrez, aims to erase the disappointments of 2021 and 2023 and reclaim the glory of the 2019 Egypt edition

The Moroccan national team enters the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with its eyes on the "second star" and ending a long continental title drought since 1976, armed with the advantages of home and crowd, and a squad packed with world-class stars, after years of the "football revolution" that culminated in fourth place at the 2022 World Cup.

Rakraki: we accept nothing but the title

In this context, national coach Walid Rakraki acknowledged the difficulty of the task despite predictions, stressing that any result other than winning will be considered a failure.

Rakraki urged fans to cheer passionately instead of focusing on photos, to support teammates Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz on their journey toward gold.

Fierce competitors: Senegal and Egypt

Despite Morocco’s advantage, the road will not be paved with roses; Senegal stands out as a formidable rival, relying on the experience of its stars in the "Roshen League" and the "Premier League," led by Sadio Mane and Édouard Mendy.

As for Egypt, record holder, it enters the tournament under the banner of "Real Madrid Africa," remaining a perennial favorite despite criticisms of its performance.

Coach Hossam Hassan relies on the striking attacking force led by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, despite defensive concerns after Mohamed Abdel Monem’s injury absence.

Algeria and the continent’s giants

Algeria, led by Riyad Mahrez, also seeks to erase the disappointments of 2021 and 2023 and reclaim the glory of the 2019 Egypt edition.

Meanwhile, Nigeria, packed with stars, title holder Côte d’Ivoire, and even Tunisia, remain among the teams capable of mixing the cards and competing for leadership of the African continent.