Can Salah Lead Egypt to AFCON Glory While Morocco Aims for Home Success?

The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2025 is set to commence in Morocco on Sunday, featuring top players like Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah, who will lead their national teams in pursuit of glory. This mid-season tournament, amid discussions on player availability and the scheduling challenges it poses for European clubs, promises excitement as Morocco aims to continue their record-winning streak, while Salah seeks his first continental title with Egypt.

Last updated: 18 January 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) kicks off in Morocco, anticipation builds around the performances of star players like Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah. The tournament is particularly significant for Salah, who, after a tumultuous period at Liverpool, is determined to lead Egypt to victory in his fifth attempt. Meanwhile, Morocco, bolstered by home soil advantage and a record of 18 consecutive wins, hopes to extend their success and secure only their second Afcon title.

Key takeaways

• Morocco aims to extend its record-winning streak of 18 games in Afcon.
• Mohamed Salah seeks his first Afcon title with Egypt after four previous attempts.
• The tournament's scheduling has raised concerns among European clubs regarding player availability.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the inception of Afcon 2025 preparations, several key dates and milestones have shaped the tournament landscape:

• 6 December 2024: Mohamed Salah expresses discontent with Liverpool, adding pressure ahead of Afcon.
• 1 December 2024: Cameroon replaces coach Marc Brys amid performance issues.
• 18 January 2025: Afcon 2025 officially kicks off in Morocco.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The tournament begins with heightened expectations, especially for the host nation Morocco. Their recent victories and home advantage position them as favourites. However, player fitness, particularly that of Achraf Hakimi, remains a concern.

What was already established

The unpredictability of Afcon is well-documented, with recent tournaments showcasing surprising outcomes. The previous edition saw Ivory Coast triumph amidst turmoil, while Senegal's victory over England highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The tournament may draw significant attention from UK audiences, particularly fans of the Premier League, as many players from the English top flight will be participating. The unfolding events could also impact discussions around player transfers and contracts.

Businesses and jobs

UK businesses linked to football, such as merchandise sales and media coverage, are expected to see increased activity during Afcon. Additionally, clubs may need to adjust their strategies regarding player management and squad composition.

Policy and regulation

The tournament’s scheduling has raised questions about the management of player availability, particularly for clubs in Europe. The Confederation of African Football (Caf) is under scrutiny as it balances tournament logistics with the demands of European football.

Numbers that matter

• 18 – Consecutive wins by Morocco, breaking Spain's previous record of 15.
• 2 – Titles claimed by Morocco in Afcon history; the last was in 1976.
• 5 – Previous attempts by Mohamed Salah to win the Afcon with Egypt.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Afcon: Africa Cup of Nations, the main international football competition in Africa.
• Caf: Confederation of African Football, the governing body for football in Africa.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the tournament progresses, attention will focus on the performances of key players and teams. The initial matches will be crucial in determining which teams advance to the knockout stages.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-tournament, the impact on player transfers and club strategies will become clearer, particularly for those players who excel during Afcon.

Signals to watch

• Performance metrics of star players like Salah and Hakimi.
• Fan engagement and attendance at matches throughout Morocco.
• Media coverage and analysis of player transfers related to Afcon performances.

Practical guidance

Do

• Keep track of key matches and results as they unfold.
• Follow updates on player performances and fitness levels.

Don’t

• Underestimate the unpredictability of the tournament.
• Neglect the impact of player performances on club dynamics.

Checklist

• Monitor match schedules and results.
• Stay updated on player injuries and fitness reports.
• Engage with fan discussions to gauge sentiment about the tournament.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Several uncertainties surround Afcon 2025, including potential disruptions due to political and social issues within Morocco. Additionally, the impact of injuries on key players could significantly alter team dynamics and tournament outcomes.

Bottom line

As the Africa Cup of Nations unfolds, the excitement surrounding players like Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah takes centre stage. With Morocco as the host, the tournament promises not just thrilling football but also the potential for significant implications on both international and club football landscapes.

FAQs

What is the significance of Afcon for African football?

Afcon is considered the pinnacle of African football, showcasing the continent's top talent and fostering national pride.

How does the tournament affect European clubs?

European clubs must navigate player availability as many of their stars participate in Afcon, impacting squad depth and performance.

What should fans watch for during the tournament?

Fans should pay attention to the performances of star players, potential upsets, and how teams adapt to the pressures of the tournament.