The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations produced twelve intriguing matchday-one fixtures, with many of the tournament favourites laying down early markers through opening-day victories, Footynaija.com reports.
As a result, several teams have already emerged as genuine title contenders courtesy of their convincing starts at the tournament.
From hosts Morocco to traditional heavyweights seeking redemption, these sides appear best placed to challenge for continental glory.
Morocco
The hosts enter AFCON 2025 as favourites and for good reason. Ranked highest among African nations in the FIFA rankings, Morocco are unbeaten in their last 18 matches, winning 16 and drawing twice.
Playing on home soil has only strengthened their confidence, and a comfortable 2-0 win over Comoros in their opening game displayed signs of their readiness to seriously challenge for their first AFCON triumph of the 21st century.
Ivory Coast
As defending champions, Ivory Coast know what it takes to win this competition.
Their narrow 1-0 victory over Mozambique on matchday one was not flashy, but it showed the grit and control that defined their 2023 triumph.
With tournament experience and depth across the squad, the Elephants remain firmly in the title conversation.
Nigeria
Nigeria arrived in Morocco with a point to prove after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and they have responded well so far, opening their campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania.
Finalists at the last AFCON and boasting one of the strongest squads in the competition this year, the Super Eagles look poised for another deep run.
Senegal
Senegal’s recent form shows all the signs of a team ready to challenge again. The Teranga Lions have won seven of their last eight matches and began their AFCON 2025 campaign with an emphatic 3-0 win over Botswana.
Having suffered a disappointing round-of-16 exit at the last tournament, the AFCON 2021 champions have the look of a team that fancies going all the way this time around.
Algeria
Algeria have quietly built momentum ahead of the tournament and they wasted no time in making their presence felt. Unbeaten in their last 11 matches, with eight wins and three draws, the two-time champions opened with a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
This year’s tournament is taking place on North African soil where both of their previous AFCON triumphs have occurred (Egypt 2019 and Algeria 1990). This makes them one of the teams to watch in Morocco.
South Africa
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have become one of the forces to reckon with on the continent. Semi-finalists in 2023 after losing to Nigeria, Bafana Bafana will be targeting an even stronger showing this time.
Unbeaten in their six matches before the tournament and winners against Angola on matchday one, they could be dark horses in the race for the trophy.
