When you think of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, the premier international men's football competition organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Also known as AFCON, it’s not just a tournament—it’s a moment when the whole continent stops to watch. This isn’t just about trophies. It’s about identity. It’s about a Ghanaian father watching his son play on TV for the first time in a World Cup qualifier, or a Senegalese street vendor pausing his work to cheer as the Black Stars take the field. The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 brings together 24 nations, each with their own story, their own pain, and their own pride.
Behind every match is a journey. Teams like Ghana, Nigeria, and Egypt are always in the mix, but this year, newcomers like Comoros and Madagascar are proving they belong. You saw it in the CAF qualifiers, the qualifying rounds that determine which African nations reach the final tournament—Comoros pushing Ghana to the limit in Accra, or Tanzania battling through adversity to stay alive. These aren’t just games. They’re moments that define nations. And then there’s the rivalry—Egypt vs. Algeria, Nigeria vs. Cameroon, South Africa vs. Tunisia. These aren’t just fixtures; they’re history with cleats on.
The CAF, the governing body for football in Africa, responsible for organizing continental competitions including the Africa Cup of Nations has made changes this cycle—new qualifying formats, stricter player eligibility rules, and more focus on youth development. That’s why you’re seeing younger players step up. Players who weren’t even born when the last AFCON was won by their country are now leading the line. And it’s not just about the stars. It’s about the bench. The coaches. The fans who travel thousands of kilometers just to stand in the rain and chant.
There’s politics here too. When Tanzania’s president won 97% of the vote just months before the tournament, people wondered if the country’s focus was still on football—or on survival. When Nigeria cracked down on fake certificates to clean up its sports system, it wasn’t just about paperwork—it was about trust. And when Ghana’s Black Stars took the field in Accra, they weren’t just playing for a World Cup spot—they were playing for a legacy.
What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles. It’s a window into the soul of African football. You’ll see how a single penalty shootout in Girona mirrors the tension in a Cape Town derby. You’ll read how injuries in Arsenal’s squad echo the same fears in a Cape Town locker room. You’ll find stories of players who left home to play abroad, only to return for the chance to wear their nation’s jersey. This isn’t just about who wins. It’s about who stands up. Who fights. Who dares to believe.
The Atlas Lions, under coach Walid Regragui, held a closed training camp in Maâmora ahead of a sold-out friendly against Mozambique in Tangier on November 14, 2025, as part of preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
