What's happened
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco features star players like Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Victor Osimhen, and others. Injuries and squad changes mark the build-up, with teams aiming for continental glory amid recent setbacks and strategic reshuffles.
What's behind the headline?
The tournament highlights the ongoing strategic shifts within African football, with key players facing injuries or squad changes that could impact their teams' performances. Salah's form remains a concern for Egypt, while Morocco's injury issues with Hakimi could influence their defensive stability. The inclusion of experienced players like Zaha and Mane underscores the importance of leadership and experience in these high-stakes matches.
The decision by Cameroon’s new coach Pagou to omit key players like Aboubakar and Onana signals a potential shift in team dynamics, possibly aiming for a fresh approach or due to internal disagreements. Injuries to players like Kabore and Djiga will test the depth of their respective teams, especially as they aim to reach the knockout stages.
Overall, the tournament will serve as a critical test for emerging talents and seasoned veterans alike, with strategic squad management likely to determine the outcome. The event also reflects broader issues such as injury management, coaching changes, and the importance of experience in African football's evolving landscape.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera provides detailed insights into the star players and their current form, highlighting Salah's quest for redemption and Hakimi's injury struggles. The New Arab reports on Hakimi's injury and Morocco’s squad, emphasizing the impact of his absence. AP News offers updates on Zaha's recall for Ivory Coast and Cameroon’s squad reshuffle under new coach Pagou, illustrating the broader strategic adjustments across teams. These sources collectively underscore the complex dynamics shaping the 2025 AFCON, from player form to coaching decisions, offering a comprehensive view of the tournament's build-up.
How we got here
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is hosted by Morocco from December 21 to January 18. Leading players like Salah, Hakimi, Osimhen, and Mane are competing, with squad selections influenced by injuries, recent form, and coaching changes. The tournament follows a period of team reshuffles and strategic adjustments across African nations.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Which Players Are Missing from Upcoming AFCON Matches and Why?
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is causing significant disruptions in club and international football. Several key players are missing from upcoming matches due to their commitments with national teams, injuries, or squad reshuffles. Fans and analysts are wondering how these absences will impact team performances and the broader tournament. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding these disruptions and what they mean for the upcoming fixtures.
-
Who Are the Key Players Missing from AFCON 2025?
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has seen some notable player absences and squad changes that could impact the tournament's outcome. Fans are curious about which stars are missing and how these changes might influence their teams' chances. Below, we explore the key questions around player absences, squad updates, and the biggest storylines shaping AFCON 2025.
-
What’s happening with the bird flu outbreak in Europe?
Europe is currently facing an unusual surge in bird flu cases, primarily affecting wild bird populations. This raises questions about how the virus is spreading, whether it poses a risk to humans or farms, and what measures authorities are taking to control the outbreak. Here’s what you need to know about the current bird flu situation and its potential impact.
-
What are the latest updates on AFCON 2025 team changes and key players?
The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting tournaments yet, with significant squad changes and key player updates. Fans are eager to know who’s in, who’s out, and what surprises are in store. From injuries to coaching reshuffles, here’s everything you need to know about the latest AFCON 2025 team updates and player news.
-
Who Are the Key Players in Africa's 2025 AFCON?
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with star players like Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, and Victor Osimhen leading the charge. But who are the standout players to watch, and how are injuries and squad changes affecting the competition? Below, we explore the top contenders, team strategies, and what to expect from this year's AFCON.
-
Who Are the Top Players to Watch in Africa's AFCON 2025?
As Africa gears up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, fans are eager to know which stars will shine brightest on the continental stage. With key players like Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, and Victor Osimhen leading the charge, the tournament promises exciting football. But recent squad changes, injuries, and strategic adjustments are shaping the competition in new ways. Below, we explore the top questions fans are asking about AFCON 2025 and what to expect from Africa's best teams and players.
More on these topics
-
Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with land borders with Algeria to the east and Western Sahara to th
-
The CAF Africa Cup of Nations, officially CAN, also referred to as AFCON, or Total Africa Cup of Nations after its headline sponsor, is the main international men's association football competition in Africa.
-
Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Crystal Palace and the Ivory Coast national team.
Zaha advanced into the Crystal Palace first team from their academy, in 2010.
-
Achraf Hakimi Mouh is a professional footballer who plays as a full-back for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Morocco national team. Mainly a right-back or right wing-back, he can also play on the left or as a winger. Born and raised in Spain, he