El Hadj Diouf Picks Morocco As Favourites For Afcon 2025 Crown

Former Liverpool, Rennes and Rangers player El Hadj Diouf has thrown his weight behind host Morocco as the number one favourite to win the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON on home soil.

The former African Footballer of the Year in 2001 and 2002 and Senegal football legend believes with home support, the Atlas Lions can go all the way and claim their second title in their history.

El Hadj Diouf said after the draw for the competition was conducted on Monday: Today, the No1 favourite is Morocco. Moroccos football has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, marked by their 2022 World Cup heroics, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. Under the guidance of coach Walid Regragui, the team has maintained its competitive edge, blending young talent with seasoned stars like Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, and Youssef En-Nesyri.

As hosts of the tournament, Morocco will also benefit from familiar conditions, including world-class stadiums and a passionate home crowd expected to fill venues in cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech.