Claude Le Roy tips Morocco but sees Cameroon as dark horse for AFCON 2025

Claude Le Roy, the veteran French coach and former manager of both Senegal and Cameroon, has offered his early assessment of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, ruling out the reigning champions Senegal and naming Morocco as the team to beat – though he believes Cameroon could spring a surprise.

With a year to go before the tournament kicks off, debate is already intensifying over which nation will lift the trophy in Morocco.

The Atlas Lions, led by Walid Regragui, enter the competition as favourites, sitting high in the FIFA rankings and boasting one of the most talented squads on the continent. For Le Roy, their credentials are clear.

“Morocco are the natural favourites,” he said, pointing to their recent consistency and the fact they will be playing on home soil.

The Atlas Lions last won the continental title in 1976, and expectations are growing that they could finally end a near five-decade wait in front of their own supporters.

Their last campaign, however, highlighted the dangers of expectation. Morocco arrived at AFCON 2023 as overwhelming contenders but exited at the round of 16 following a shock defeat to South Africa.

This time, the pressure will be even greater, with the country hosting the 35th edition of the competition.

Despite acknowledging Morocco’s strength, Le Roy, often referred to as the “White Witch Doctor” for his long history and deep influence in African football, insists that only one team can genuinely challenge them: Cameroon.

“The only side in Africa capable of defeating Morocco is Cameroon,” Le Roy argued. “I know that may surprise some people, but tactically, if Cameroon managed to bring together all of their talent spread around the world, they would be unbeatable – whether in Africa or anywhere else.”

He went further, highlighting the vast pool of players with Cameroonian heritage now starring at the highest levels of European football.

“When you consider that Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and William Saliba all have Cameroonian origins, you can understand why this country inspires so much envy across the continent,” he said.

Le Roy’s remarks underline both the potential and the frustration that has long surrounded the Indomitable Lions. A nation with a storied AFCON history, boasting five continental titles, Cameroon remains a force in African football but has struggled in recent years to consistently harness its talent into a cohesive unit.

For Senegal, Le Roy’s comments will come as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. The reigning champions have been overlooked by the Frenchman despite their strong record and wealth of established stars.

He suggested that while Senegal remain competitive, they lack the tactical unpredictability and depth required to stop Morocco or compete with a fully united Cameroon.

As AFCON 2025 draws closer, the pressure will mount on Morocco to deliver on home soil, while the intrigue surrounding Cameroon’s ability to assemble and inspire their scattered talents will only grow.

With legends of African football weighing in and continental giants jostling for supremacy, the stage is set for a compelling battle for Africa’s crown.