AFCON 2025: Underdog Nations Poised To Challenge the Continent’s Giants

AFCON 2025: Underdog Nations Poised To Challenge the Continent’s Giants

By BSN Sports 

With the Africa Cup of Nations set to kick off this December in Morocco, anticipation is building across the continent. As always, the question looms: will traditional heavyweights dominate, or will AFCON deliver another chapter of shock results and breakthrough stories?

This year’s tournament features no debutants every one of the 24 participating nations has competed at AFCON before but history shows that an absence of newcomers has never prevented surprises. From unlikely semi-finalists to giant-killing runs, AFCON has repeatedly showcased the unpredictability of African football. Several lesser-fancied sides arrive at the 2025 edition with momentum, new talent and the potential to disrupt the hierarchy.

Comoros – The Island Nation Still Defying Expectations

Comoros have enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent years, earning widespread admiration for their tactical organisation, disciplined defending and fearless approach against bigger opponents.

Though once again considered outsiders, the Mambas thrive in that role. Their compact style allows them to frustrate possession-based teams, and with several maturing players now based abroad, they could exploit any complacency in their group and reach the knockout rounds.

Botswana – A Quiet but Steady Climbers

Long regarded as outsiders in African football, Botswana have made significant strides thanks to improved coaching and increased player exposure abroad. Their qualifying campaign showcased tactical maturity, defensive structure and an energetic young core.

While few consider Botswana a threat, their athleticism and discipline make them dangerous opponents. If they convert key chances in the group stage, they could spring one of the competition’s biggest surprises.

Zimbabwe and Mozambique – Southern Africa’s Dark Horses

Southern African teams have a history of unexpected AFCON runs, and both Zimbabwe and Mozambique enter the tournament as credible dark-horse contenders.

Zimbabwe boast a squad stacked with experienced professionals competing across Africa and Asia. Their physicality, aerial strength and lethal set-piece play make them difficult to contain.

Mozambique, meanwhile, remain unpredictable and capable of changing the tempo of a match with sudden attacking bursts. Both teams benefit from low external expectations an advantage in knockout football, where their direct and aggressive styles can trouble possession-oriented opponents.

Benin and Equatorial Guinea – Proven Giant-Killers

If any teams have perfected the role of spoiler, it is Benin and Equatorial Guinea.

Benin’s adaptable tactical setup has frustrated opponents in the past, while Equatorial Guinea have built a reputation for grinding out results and advancing deep into AFCON through sheer discipline and resilience. These are the types of teams that thrive when the stakes are highest and the pressure sits squarely on their opponents.

Why the Continent’s Heavyweights Should Be Wary

Traditional contenders including Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Algeria enter the tournament with strong squads, but AFCON’s history offers a clear warning: no favourite is safe.

Fatigue from long club seasons, taxing travel, tight tournament scheduling and the ever-present possibility of penalty shootouts often level the playing field. One poor performance can turn a campaign upside down, giving underdogs the perfect window to strike.

Could a “Debutant-Level” Shock Still Happen?

Absolutely even without official debutants.

Teams like Comoros, Botswana, Mozambique and Benin embody the qualities typically associated with new entrants: fearless, underrated and unburdened by expectation. In a tournament where belief often outweighs budget or reputation, these teams could write headlines once the competition begins.

Final Verdict

AFCON 2025 may not feature newcomers, but it certainly features nations capable of producing debutant-like drama. Comoros’ structure, Botswana’s rise, Zimbabwe’s physicality and Equatorial Guinea’s resilience form a cluster of potential disruptors.

If recent history is any guide, the continent should brace for another surprise. The only question is: which underdog will deliver it this time?