AFCON: From Ivory Coast's Dramatic Triumph to Morocco's Moment in the Spotlight

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is more than just a football tournament: it's a celebration of African talent, passion, and unpredictability that unites the continent every two years. 

AFCON 2025 logo, wikipedia

As we stand on the brink of AFCON 2025, set to kick off in Morocco on December 21, 2025, let's take a deep dive into the last edition's historical highlights and what fans can anticipate this time around. I'll also spotlight two teams I believe have what it takes to battle it out in the final. Buckle up; this is going to be a thrilling ride through African football's past, present, and future.

Recapping AFCON 2023: A Fairy Tale of Resilience and Redemption

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, delayed and held from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Ivory Coast, was a masterclass in drama and defiance.

Originally scheduled for 2023 but postponed due to weather concerns, it marked the first time since Egypt in 2006 that the host nation lifted the trophy. Making it the 12th such occurrence in AFCON history.

Ivory Coast, known as the Elephants, etched their name into folklore with one of the most improbable victories ever seen in international football.It all started rocky for the hosts. They suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in the group stage, finishing third in Group A and barely scraping through as one of the best third-placed teams.

In a bold move, they sacked head coach Jean-Louis Gasset mid-tournament, appointing assistant Emerse Fae as interim boss.

What followed was pure magic: a penalty shootout win over defending champions Senegal in the round of 16, a last-gasp 1-0 victory against Mali in the quarters (despite playing with 10 men for much of the match), and a gritty semi-final triumph over DR Congo.

The final against Nigeria on February 11, 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan was the pinnacle.

Nigeria, led by stars like Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong, took the lead through Troost-Ekong's header in the 38th minute. But Ivory Coast fought back in the second half. Franck Kessie equalized in the 62nd minute, and Sébastien Haller; fresh off battling testicular cancer, scored the winner in the 81st minute to seal a 2-1 victory.

Haller's goal wasn't just a match-winner; it was a symbol of perseverance, capping off a tournament where the Elephants became the first team to win AFCON after losing a group-stage match by four or more goals.

Beyond the hosts' heroics, AFCON 2023 was packed with shocks. Powerhouses like Egypt (knocked out in the round of 16 by DR Congo on penalties), Ghana (group-stage exit after a poor run), Algeria (bottom of their group), and Tunisia (also group-stage casualties) all faltered early.

Underdogs shone: South Africa reached the semis, DR Congo made the final four, and Cape Verde impressed with their attacking flair. The tournament saw 119 goals scored across 52 matches, with Equatorial Guinea's Emilio Nsue claiming the Golden Boot with five goals. It was a reminder that AFCON thrives on chaos and predicted favorites often stumble, and resilience reigns supreme.

This edition also highlighted broader themes in African football: the growing influence of diaspora players (many competing in Europe's top leagues), tactical evolution under coaches like Senegal's Aliou Cissé, and the passionate fan culture that turned stadiums into cauldrons of energy. Ivory Coast's win was their third AFCON title, tying them with Nigeria and placing them behind Egypt's record seven.

It set the stage for a new era, proving that no lead is safe and no team is unbeatable.

AFCON 2025: A Cooler, Fiercer Battle in Morocco

Fast-forward to December 2025, and AFCON is back with a twist. Hosted by Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, this marks the first winter edition in recent memory, shifting from the traditional January slot to avoid clashing with club schedules.

Expect cooler temperatures, ranging from 8°C to 18°C and which could lead to faster-paced games, sustained high pressing, and an advantage for teams with European-based players accustomed to milder climates.

This environmental shift might reduce the heat-induced fatigue seen in past tournaments, potentially resulting in more goals and fewer draws.

The format remains the same: 24 teams divided into six groups, with the top two from each advancing automatically, plus the four best third-placed sides.

Morocco, as hosts, are automatic qualifiers and will play in stunning venues like the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca and the new Grand Stade de Tanger. Fans across Africa should brace for the usual AFCON hallmarks; intense rivalries, viral moments (think dance celebrations and fan chants), and upsets galore. But with the home crowd's energy, Morocco could channel the same host magic that propelled Ivory Coast last time.

Star power will be abundant. Look out for Mohamed Salah chasing an elusive title with Egypt, Victor Osimhen leading Nigeria's charge, Sadio Mané anchoring Senegal, and Achraf Hakimi marshalling Morocco's defense.

Top scorer predictions favor Osimhen (in red-hot form with 12 goals in 16 games for Galatasaray this season), Salah (with his penalty prowess), and defending hero Haller for Ivory Coast.

Opta's supercomputer gives Morocco a 19.32% chance of winning, followed by Senegal (15.71%), Nigeria (13.28%), Egypt (12.88%), and Algeria (7.19%).

Dark horses like DR Congo (fourth in 2023) and South Africa could surprise again, while traditional giants like Algeria and Cameroon aim to rebound from recent disappointments.

Expect debates to rage on social media about tactics, refereeing, and player form. With the tournament's global broadcast reaching millions, it could boost African football's profile further, attracting more investment and talent scouting. However, challenges like injuries (e.g., key players returning from club duties) and travel logistics for fans might add layers of complexity. Overall, AFCON 2025 promises to be competitive, culturally vibrant, and full of that electric African spirit—uniting fans from Cairo to Cape Town in shared excitement and rivalry.

Two Teams Poised for the Final: Morocco and Senegal

If I had to pick two teams to contest the AFCON 2025 final on January 18, 2026, I'd go with hosts Morocco and defending powerhouse Senegal. Here's why these squads stand out in a field of strong contenders.

First, Morocco - the Atlas Lions. They are my top pick to reach (and possibly win) the final.

Their 2022 World Cup semi-final run showcased a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair, and they've built on that with a squad boasting stars like Hakimi (PSG), Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahçe), Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid), and Sofyan Amrabat (Fenerbahçe).

Home advantage is huge: the roar of Moroccan crowds could intimidate opponents, and their familiarity with the venues adds an edge. Coach Walid Regragui emphasizes organization and counter-attacks, which suits tournament football.

They've been unbeaten in recent qualifiers and have the depth to handle injuries. If they navigate a tough group including Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Central African Republic, their path to the final looks clear. Potentially facing West African rivals in the knockouts.

Morocco hasn't won AFCON since 1976, but this feels like their moment to end the drought.

On the other side, Senegal, the Lions of Teranga could be their perfect foil in the final.

Winners in 2021 and runners-up in 2019, they have tournament pedigree and a balanced squad. Key players include Mané (Al-Nassr), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), and Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea), providing grit in defense, creativity in midfield, and firepower up front.

Under coach Aliou Cissé, they've mastered grinding out results in high-stakes games, as seen in their 2023 round-of-16 exit only via penalties. Their group with Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Burundi should be manageable, setting up a deep run. Senegal's resilience and experience make them a nightmare for any opponent, and a final against Morocco would pit North African flair against West African power; a dream matchup for neutrals.

Of course, AFCON's unpredictability means anything can happen and Nigeria or Egypt could crash the party, but these two seem primed for glory.

AFCON's Enduring Magic

From Ivory Coast's miraculous 2023 comeback to the anticipation building for Morocco's 2025 spectacle, AFCON continues to captivate with its blend of skill, storylines, and surprises. Football fans on the continent: gear up for late nights, heated discussions, and unforgettable moments. Whether your team lifts the trophy or not, this tournament reminds us why we love the beautiful game.

Let's hear your predictions in the comments - who do you think will shine?

There is a N10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Nigerian Naira) to be won on this competition on this blog.

Predict the winner of this AFCON. Prediction must come in one hour before the start of the first match of the competition.

Good luck verifiers!