The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations comes to Morocco, a country where the desert breathes stories and the ocean keeps its own quiet rhythm.

From the ochre walls of Marrakech to the windswept streets of Tangier, Morocco is known for its vibrant souks, centuries-old culture and the warmth of its people.

Now, as the continent gathers beneath the Atlas Mountains, football becomes the newest story woven into the kingdom’s timeless tapestry.

The 35th instalment of Africa’s grand football carnival will be a battleground where 24 nations chase the glittering prize from 21 December until 18 January 2026.

The host nation’s Atlas Lions enter this edition with a hunger that borders on obsession. Their only Africa Cup of Nations triumph dates back to 1976. The country will believe its time has finally come.

Morocco have spent nearly half a century waiting, insisting that destiny owes them another sip of continental glory. Yet even now, their hopes hinge on a race against time. Can captain Achraf Hakimi shake off injury and lead them into battle when the curtain rises?

To the east stand Egypt, the Pharaohs, serial kings of Africa and owners of a record seven crowns. Their last triumph came in 2010, and the drought since then has only sharpened their thirst. For Mohamed Salah, the country’s modern-day icon, lifting this trophy on Moroccan soil would end all whispers, all debates. It would etch his name - permanently, proudly - as Egypt’s undisputed GOAT.

Then come Nigeria, the mercurial Super Eagles. Their last celebration dates to 2013, and they now march into Afcon under a cloud of uncertainty, burdened by not qualifying for the World Cup. Nevertheless, Victor Osimhen, fearless and fiery, arrives as the man determined to turn doubt into danger for anyone standing in their way.

Algeria, champions in 2019; Tunisia, crowned in 2004; Sadio Mané’s Senegal, winners in 2021; and the defending kings, Ivory Coast all stride into Morocco with a quiet belief that the return flight on 19 January will include a gold medal around their necks.

Mali, still chasing their first title, lurk as dark horses with teeth sharp enough to bite a giant when least expected.

Beyond them are the minnows, the dreamers, the nations who know that Afcon has never bowed to logic. They will come swinging for their moment - one punch, one upset, one night where the continent gasps.

Then there is South Africa. Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana, bronze medallists last year, now arrive with a target on their backs and a 25-match unbeaten record behind them.

Inspired by their captain, Ronwen Williams, and buoyed by a long-awaited World Cup return, the 1996 champions carry both pressure and possibility.

History, superstition and ambition swirl in Morocco. Should Bafana go all the way, they would lift the trophy just sixteen days short of the anniversary of their 1996 triumph.