AFCON 2025: Ten bold scenarios that could define the tournament 

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations begins this Sunday with hosts Morocco facing Comoros, launching a tournament already rich in expectation, rivalry and imagination.

As the continent prepares for the 35th edition of its flagship competition, a series of bold and sometimes eccentric predictions have emerged, each offering a glimpse into how this AFCON could unfold if the unexpected becomes reality.

One such scenario imagines a final that many supporters have long dreamed of: Morocco against Algeria. In this hypothetical showdown in Rabat on January 18, the score is locked at 1-1 before Achraf Hakimi steps forward late in the match. A trademark free kick in the 88th minute finds the top corner past Luca Zidane, sealing Morocco’s second continental title amid scenes of celebration. The idea alone feels symbolic, particularly given doubts earlier in the season about Hakimi’s fitness following an ankle injury sustained on November 4.

Another unlikely storyline places Evann Guessand as the tournament’s top scorer.

Initially not expected to feature in Morocco, the Aston Villa forward was called up only after Sébastien Haller’s withdrawal.

Competing with Vakoun Bayo and Jean-Philippe Krasso, Guessand could emulate past surprise golden boot winners, proving that AFCON’s leading scorer is often the least anticipated.

Algeria’s campaign may also take an unexpected turn.

Riyad Mahrez, captain and veteran, is predicted to once again finish the tournament on the bench.

At 34, and facing competition from Anis Hadj-Moussa, Mahrez may not be guaranteed a starting role throughout the competition despite beginning as first choice.

In Group F, Cameroon are tipped to struggle.

Drawn alongside Ivory Coast, Gabon and Mozambique, the Indomitable Lions face a daunting path.

 

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With the absence of figures such as André Onana, Vincent Aboubakar and Michael Ngadeu, and injuries including André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, a third-place finish appears plausible under new coach David Pagou.

Off the pitch, the prediction that half of the tournament’s matches will be sold out reflects AFCON’s enduring appeal.

While some fixtures may attract smaller crowds, major games involving Morocco, Algeria and the clash between Ivory Coast and Cameroon have already sold out, contributing to a historic milestone of one million tickets sold before kick-off.

On the touchline, the trend of locally born coaches lifting the trophy could continue.

After recent triumphs by Djamel Belmadi, Aliou Cissé and Emerse Faé, figures such as Walid Regragui, Pape Thiaw and Hossam Hassan are all well placed to extend that sequence.

No AFCON would feel complete without off-field turbulence, and another bonus dispute is widely anticipated.

Several nations arrive with unresolved financial or administrative tensions that could yet resurface during the competition.

🚨 COMMUNIQUÉ | 🏆 CAN MAROC 2025

Sébastien HALLER est forfait pour la CAN 2025 suite à une blessure contractée le 14 décembre avec le FC Utrecht.
Il est remplacé par Evann GUESSAND (Aston Villa), initialement sur la liste des réservistes.

La FIF souhaite un prompt… pic.twitter.com/5FQz3aoqWB

— Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮🐘 (@FIFCI_tweet) December 19, 2025

On the pitch, Ibrahim Maza is tipped to emerge as the tournament’s most valuable player.

The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has enjoyed a surge in form and influence and could follow in the footsteps of Ismaël Bennacer as a breakout star.

There is also the possibility of renewed rivalry between DR Congo and Nigeria.

Following a tense World Cup playoff last month and subsequent controversy, a quarter-final meeting would offer a dramatic stage for resolution.

Finally, one of AFCON’s most curious subplots may resurface with Wilfried Zaha.

Wilfried Zaha revient une nouvelle fois sur cette histoire d’huile sur le riz et est très cash. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/F7CFq8YAQw

— Le Foot 225 🇨🇮 (@LeFoot225) October 13, 2025

Recalled after a long absence, the winger’s return could reignite memories of the now-infamous rice saga — a story supporters still joke about, even if the truth remains elusive.

Taken together, these predictions capture the unpredictability that defines the Africa Cup of Nations, where imagination often feels only a step away from reality.