With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations now underway, the early narratives surrounding the tournament are beginning to settle. Among the familiar contenders, Morocco as AFCON favourites has emerged not as a speculative label, but as a position shaped by form, structure, and timing.
The North African nation entered the competition carrying momentum built over several years, and their standing within the tournament reflects more than reputation alone.
This belief is rooted in continuity. Morocco’s recent trajectory – both within Africa and on the global stage – has reshaped how the national team is perceived. From defensive solidity to tournament maturity, the signs point toward a side built to withstand the demands of a long and unforgiving competition, rather than one relying on short-term form.
AFCON Context: Why Favourites Carry Weight
The Africa Cup of Nations is not a tournament that bends easily to expectation. First played in 1957, the current competition represents the 35th edition in its history, shaped by shifting powers, contrasting styles, and constant evolution. Success at AFCON has often required more than talent, demanding tactical adaptability, mental resilience, and the ability to navigate pressure across multiple stages.
Within this context, being labelled contenders carries weight. It suggests not just quality, but sustainability across matches and circumstances. That is why the growing perception of Morocco as AFCON favourites holds significance, reflecting a side viewed as structurally equipped rather than merely talented.
Host Nation Advantage in AFCON
History also offers measurable support. The host nation advantage in AFCON is more than anecdotal, with host countries having lifted the trophy 12 times across previous editions. That figure represents just over 35% of tournaments, underlining how familiarity with conditions, crowd backing, and reduced logistical strain can influence outcomes over the course of a demanding competition.
For Morocco, hosting arrives at a moment of competitive stability rather than transition. Unlike past hosts who leaned heavily on circumstance, Morocco combines that advantage with proven quality. The host nation’s advantage in AFCON becomes more persuasive when paired with a team already accustomed to expectation rather than burdened by it.
Morocco CAF Ranking and Continental Authority
Another pillar of Morocco’s case lies in its standing across African football. The Morocco CAF ranking places them at the summit of the continent, a position earned through sustained results rather than isolated success. Globally, Morocco remains among the elite, sitting 11th in the world in recent FIFA rankings.
This status reflects consistency across qualification campaigns, competitive fixtures, and major tournaments. The Morocco CAF ranking mirrors a team that has outperformed most African rivals across varied environments, reinforcing their status as Africa’s benchmark side during this AFCON.
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Defensive Strength and Qualification Performance
On the pitch, Morocco’s credentials have translated clearly into results. Their qualification campaign set the tone, finishing top of their group with a level of control that few African nations matched. Defensively, Morocco is the joint-second least conceding nation in the tournament, reinforcing their reputation for organisation and discipline.
That defensive solidity is particularly valuable in AFCON settings, where knockout football frequently rewards composure over excess. Morocco’s ability to manage games, protect leads, and limit exposure has become a defining trait — one that strengthens the argument for Morocco as AFCON favourites as the tournament unfolds.
Momentum has also been reinforced beyond CAF competition. Morocco’s recent success in the Arab Cup highlighted its dominance across African-Arab and North African football. While operating under a different competitive structure, lifting silverware reinforced belief, cohesion, and a winning culture within the squad.
Rather than serving as a distraction, that success reflects continuity. It signals a national setup aligned across competitions, further separating Morocco from teams still searching for rhythm during AFCON.
World Cup Pedigree and Tournament Maturity
Perhaps the strongest bridge between belief and expectation remains Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 World Cup. Reaching the semi-finals was not the product of fortune, but of tactical clarity, emotional control, and defensive excellence — qualities that translate effectively into AFCON football.
Historically, nations entering AFCON with a recent World Cup pedigree have often gone on to contend seriously for the title. When combined with the host nation advantage in AFCON, Morocco’s global exploits make it increasingly difficult to overlook their credentials.
None of this crowns a champion in advance. AFCON rarely rewards assumption. Yet when form, ranking, hosting, defensive strength, and tournament maturity align, belief becomes rational. In that sense, Morocco as AFCON favourites reflects probability rather than promise – a position shaped by evidence rather than expectation.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Shengolpixs
Recording Date: 29.12.2025
