Hurddles Between Morocco And AFCON 2025 Title Unveiled

Hurddles Between Morocco And AFCON 2025 Title Unveiled 

As the host nation, Morocco head into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with huge expectations and the backing of home supporters.

 However, history and current realities suggest that the Atlas Lions’ path to glory may be far from straightforward.

Home pressure could turn into a burden

Playing at home is often seen as an advantage, but it can quickly become a disadvantage. 

Ivory Coast experienced this during the last AFCON, when a humiliating 4–0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea triggered intense backlash from their own fans.

Despite setting a world record of 18 consecutive victories, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has faced persistent criticism in recent months over the team’s style and perceived lack of quality.

 The coach has repeatedly called for unity ahead of the tournament, but whether the atmosphere around the squad will remain calm under pressure remains uncertain.

Injury concerns in the squad

Morocco’s preparations have also been disrupted by several injury worries. Achraf Hakimi is nursing a left ankle injury, Nayef Aguerd is struggling with pubalgia, while Hamza Igamane has been ruled out of the opening match against Comoros due to adductor problems.

 These fitness concerns could affect team balance and morale, especially if key players fail to recover in time.

Strong competition from fellow giants

Morocco will not be alone among the favourites, Senegal, Nigeria and Tunisia all arrive in Morocco with strong credentials. Senegal were on a remarkable 26-match unbeaten run before their recent defeat to Brazil, underlining their quality and depth. 

Tunisia conceded no goal during the qualifiers, while Nigeria remain one of the most decorated teams in AFCON history. Any slip by the hosts could be punished by these battle-tested sides.

AFCON history rarely favours favourites

Being labelled favourites is often more of a curse than a blessing at the AFCON.

Recent history supports this concern: Senegal in 2024, and Morocco and Nigeria in 2022, were tipped to win but fell short. 

Cameroon in 2017 and Algeria in 2019 lifted the trophy despite not being seen as clear favourites.

A warning from recent history

The last team to enter AFCON on the back of an extraordinary unbeaten run was Algeria in 2022, having gone 35 matches without defeat.

 Their campaign ended in disaster, with a shock group-stage exit. Morocco’s own 18-match winning streak serves as both a source of confidence and a warning.

 Compounding this is the fact that host nations have struggled to win the AFCON over the past two decades.

While Morocco possess quality, depth and home advantage, these factors combined show why winning AFCON 2025 will be anything but guaranteed for the Atlas Lions.

Sampson Adedeji