The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is set to commence in Morocco this Sunday, with a significant portion of the attention fixed on two prominent narratives: the host nation’s quest for a historic title and the enduring ambition of Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah.

Morocco enters the tournament on the back of an astonishing 18-match winning streak, a world record, and will be eager to leverage home advantage to secure only their second Afcon crown. Their impressive run has positioned them as strong contenders, fueling national expectations for glory.

Meanwhile, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah embarks on his fifth attempt to claim the continental prize. The 33-year-old’s form and motivation are under a spotlight, particularly following recent public statements regarding his club situation, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his participation.

While Salah’s pursuit of the trophy and Morocco’s potential triumph dominate headlines, the Afcon tournament is renowned for its inherent unpredictability. Previous editions have witnessed dramatic turnarounds and unexpected champions, underscoring the competitive nature of African football.

Teams like Nigeria, runners-up in the last finals, are aiming to go a step further, while traditional powerhouses such as Cameroon appear to be navigating internal challenges. Both nations will be keen to rebound after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With a remarkable seven different winners emerging from the last eight Afcon tournaments, the 2025 edition promises to be a captivating spectacle. The competition is widely regarded as the pinnacle of African football, a coveted prize that elicits immense passion and national pride.

This mid-season tournament, despite some debate over player availability and scheduling, is poised to deliver thrilling matches and potentially forge new legends. The “holy grail of African football” is fiercely contested, with teams driven by the desire for lasting recognition.

Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat highlighted the immense difficulty in winning Afcon, stating that while supporters show great affection, a victory ensures indelible memories. This sentiment reflects the profound significance of the tournament for players and nations alike.

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Keywords: Afcon 2025, Mohamed Salah, Morocco football, Egypt national team, Africa Cup of Nations, African football, Salah Liverpool, football tournament