AFCON 2025: Morocco Embrace Favourites Tag as Title Becomes the Only Acceptable Outcome
Hosts Morocco have made their intentions unmistakably clear ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, with both head coach Walid Regragui and captain Achraf Hakimi openly declaring that lifting the trophy is the minimum target.
Speaking during a press conference on the eve of the tournament, Regragui did not shy away from the weight of expectation that comes with hosting Africa’s biggest football event.
“Morocco are the clear favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations, and anything less than the title would be considered a failure,” Regragui stated.
The bold declaration reflects the confidence within the Atlas Lions camp, built on recent success, squad depth, and the advantage of playing on home soil. Morocco arrive at AFCON 2025 carrying the momentum of strong performances on the global stage, including their historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which elevated expectations back home and across the continent.
Captain Achraf Hakimi echoed his coach’s ambition while also reflecting on the painful lessons of the past. Morocco were one of the pre-tournament favourites at the previous AFCON in Ivory Coast, only to suffer a shock round-of-16 exit at the hands of South Africa.
“We had no excuses about what happened. We were well prepared for the AFCON in Ivory Coast, we arrived in time, and we were unexpectedly humbled by South Africa,” Hakimi admitted.
Rather than dwelling on disappointment, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back believes that defeat became a turning point for the national team.
“That loss taught us a lesson. From that defeat we are unbeaten until today. Another lesson we learned is that African countries have raw talent and can turn up on any day and cause an upset.”
Hakimi underlined that respect for every opponent will be key, even as Morocco carry the pressure of being favourites. Still, the objective remains unchanged.
“We are here to deliver the trophy to the people of Morocco,” he said.
With packed stadiums, a talented squad led by experienced internationals, and a coach willing to publicly set the bar at the highest level, Morocco head into AFCON 2025 knowing that only one outcome will satisfy expectations — continental glory on home soil
