The Atlas Lions of Morocco have been installed as the leading favourites to clinch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, a tournament they are privileged to host. The continental showpiece is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The Weight of History and Home Advantage
This positioning by bookmakers and analysts is heavily influenced by the significant advantage of playing on home soil, a factor that has historically propelled hosts to glory. The most recent example is the Elephants of Côte d'Ivoire, who staged a remarkable comeback to win the 2023 edition they hosted, defeating Nigeria's Super Eagles in a thrilling final.
If the Moroccan team, led by their star-studded lineup, manages to secure the trophy, they will etch their name as the tenth nation in the competition's history to win it as the host country. They will aim to displace the Ivorians as the reigning African champions.
Nine Nations That Conquered Africa at Home
The history of the AFCON is rich with stories of host nations riding a wave of local support to ultimate victory. Here is a detailed look at the nine countries that have achieved this feat.
1. Egypt
The Pharaohs stand as the most successful nation in AFCON history with seven titles. Impressively, three of those victories came when they were the hosts: in 1959, 1986, and 2006.
2. Ethiopia
An early powerhouse of African football, Ethiopia's sole AFCON triumph was achieved as the host nation in 1962, having been a founding participant in the inaugural 1957 tournament.
3. Ghana
The Black Stars have a special relationship with hosting. They won the trophy in their very first tournament appearance, which they hosted in 1963. They repeated the feat as hosts again in 1978.
4. Sudan
During African football's formative years, Sudan was a major force. Their one and only AFCON title was secured on home soil in 1970, when they defeated Ghana in the final.
5. Nigeria
The Green Eagles, as the Super Eagles were then known, delivered a moment of national euphoria by winning the country's first AFCON title in 1980 as hosts. Captained by the late Christian Chukwu, the team lifted the trophy at the National Stadium in Lagos.
6. Algeria
The Desert Foxes claimed their maiden African crown in 1990 when they hosted the tournament, solidifying their status as a North African football giant.
7. South Africa
Bafana Bafana's iconic AFCON victory came in 1996 during their debut appearance, which they also hosted. This made them the second nation after Ghana to win it as first-time hosts.
8. Tunisia
Despite hosting the tournament three times, the Carthage Eagles' single title came during their third stint as hosts in 2004.
9. Côte d'Ivoire
The Elephants wrote one of the most dramatic chapters in AFCON history in 2023. After barely surviving the group stage, they appointed Emerse Faé as interim coach, who then masterminded an against-all-odds victory on home soil.
Supercomputer Backs Moroccan Dream
Adding statistical credence to the favourites tag, renowned sports analytics firm Opta has reportedly run its supercomputer simulations, which also predict Morocco as the most likely winner of AFCON 2025. The North African side, semi-finalists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, boasts one of the continent's most talented squads and will be desperate to convert their golden generation into a major trophy.
The stage is set for a spectacular tournament in Morocco. The question on every fan's mind is whether the Atlas Lions can harness their formidable quality and the roaring support of their home crowds to join this exclusive list of champions who triumphed where they lived.
