AFCON 2025: Saintfiet backs North African teams as strong favourites

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet believes Morocco and the leading North African nations hold a clear advantage ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

He also views Senegal and Nigeria as major contenders capable of challenging the expected frontrunners.

Saintfiet says North African sides enter the tournament with stronger momentum and ideal conditions to thrive.

He highlights Morocco as the standout favourite, supported by Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt, who he feels possess the quality to fight for the trophy.

He cites performance trends from recent global tournaments to reinforce his view.

He argues that North African teams excel due to the climate, familiarity with the pitches and cultural factors that suit their style of play.

Saintfiet also recognises the strength of West African giants Senegal and Nigeria.

He says the two nations have enough firepower and squad depth to disrupt Morocco and the other North African challengers, even though he still places the North African teams slightly ahead in the race for the title.

He insists that at least a dozen nations can realistically challenge for the continental crown, but he maintains that Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria and Senegal sit at the top of his list of favourites.