Aliou Cissé lists Senegal, Morocco and Algeria among the leading contenders for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and adds Egypt and Nigeria to complete his top five.
The former Senegal coach shared his thoughts shortly after Libya exited the Arab Cup playoffs last Tuesday.
He assessed the landscape of African football as the December tournament in Morocco draws closer.
Cissé said Senegal still carry a strong and mature squad. He believes the Lions possess the quality and mentality to match any opponent on the continent.
He expects fierce competition, yet he trusts the team’s core strength as AFCON approaches.
He coached Senegal for more than nine years and guided the Lions through over 100 matches between March 2015 and October 2024.
He left a deep imprint on the national team, and he continues to express unwavering loyalty to the nation now led by his former assistant Pape Thiaw.
“I hope Senegal win it. I come from Senegal, and my heart stays with this team,” he said, staying true to the passion that marked his long tenure.
Cissé reached two AFCON finals during his time in charge and secured the trophy in 2022.
He understands the magnitude of the challenge that awaits every team seeking to lift the title.
He places Senegal among the strongest contenders but also highlights Morocco, the host nation with growing momentum.
He includes Algeria as well, a team that denied him the title in 2019. He then adds Egypt, the most decorated side in the competition’s history, and Nigeria, runners-up at the last edition.
Cissé predicts one of the most competitive tournaments in recent memory.
He believes several nations hold enough strength to chase the trophy.
“Besides Senegal, many teams can win this AFCON: Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria,” he said, staying direct and firm in his assessment.
He surprised observers when he made no mention of Ivory Coast, the defending champions, or DR Congo, who recently booked a place at the 2026 World Cup and continue to rise in African football.
His omission underlines the tournament’s unpredictability, where reputation never guarantees triumph.
Cissé stressed that AFCON always produces unexpected turns.
“In AFCON, nobody predicts the winner. It differs from a World Cup. It stays very complicated. Surprises always come,” he said.
Cissé understands the nature of the competition better than most.
He sees favourites, threats and dark horses in equal measure, and he knows each edition shapes its own unpredictable story.
Aliou #Cissé 🇸🇳 : “J’espère que le #Sénégal remporte la CAN 2025″ #Coupearabe2025 #Libye pic.twitter.com/JcyuJFo6WA
— AFRICAFOOTUNITED_OFFICIEL (@africafootutd) November 25, 2025
