Ahead of the 35th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicking off December 21 all the way to January 18, 2026, Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Togo, and Liberia constituting Group E will be in Morocco with their own unique storylines and aspirations. Algeria, with its wealth of talent, is a favorite for the title, while Equatorial Guinea aims to continue its rise as a competitive force in African football. Togo, under the guidance of Claude Le Roy, will look to improve on its past performances, and Liberia, with the backing of young talents like Timothy Weah, hopes to build a new era of success.
With AFCON 2025 in Morocco already promising spectacular surprises, epic clashes, and exciting matches, the Group E teams will be contributing greatly to these. Sportblot now brings you a detailed profile of these four nations as they prepare to make their mark in African football.
Algeria: Continental Powerhouse that Brooks no Opposition
This two-time African champions, also known as the Fennecs or the Foxes, had a disastrous AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, leading to their parting of ways with then coach, Gamal Belmadi. He has now been replaced by Bosnian coach, Vladimir Petkovic who is well on course to bring back the glory days to the former African champions.
With a rich legacy in continental football competitions, including continental victories in 1990 and 2019, Algeria will be using this their 21st appearance in AFCON to re-establish their pride of place among Africa’s football elite. Heading into Morocco, Algeria is once again a top contender, boasting a squad filled with talent and experience.
Key players to watch: The Fennecs are loaded with top-tier talent, including Captain Riyad Mahrez, the Manchester City winger, who is arguably one of the best players in Africa. Mahrez is expected to be a pivotal player in Algeria’s attack, creating chances and scoring goals. Enter Ibrahim Maza who made headlines when he chose to represent Algeria instead of Germany, where he previously played at youth level.
Currently starring for Hertha Berlin, Maza has impressed with his technical skills and composure, drawing interest from several top European clubs. At just 19 years old, Maza will look to use AFCON 2025 as a platform to solidify his place in the Desert Foxes' squad and further his reputation as one of Africa’s brightest young talents.
There is also Mohamed Amine Gomorra: the Wolfsburg player has made a significant impact in recent seasons, with his speed and dribbling ability making him a constant threat. Other key players include Ismaël Bennacer, a skilled midfielder for AC Milan, and Youcef Atal, a pacey full-back playing for OGC Nice. These players, along with a well-organized defensive line and a potent attack, make Algeria one of the favorites in the upcoming tournament.
Recent Form and AFCON Hopes:The Fennecs collected maximum points throughout their campaign, qualifying for the finals in Morocco with a game to spare.
In November this year, the FIFA international window may be utilized by the Algerian Football Federation to arrange two friendly matches. The Foxes are expected to play a preparatory match mid-December which they will use to refine their strategy and prepare physically for the continental competition.
The Algerian team will round off the year with their participation in AFCON 2025, where the group stage opponents will be determined during the draw scheduled for January 27, 2025. The Algerian squad will be eager to perform well in Morocco and possibly claim their third title in the competition's history.
Expect the Thunder from Equatorial Guinea’s Nzalang Nacional
Equatorial Guinea’s senior national team, known as the Nzalang Nacional or National Thunder, is a dark horse in this tournament given that it is their 5th appearance in AFCON with their most remarkable impact being coming fourth place in 2015 in the quarterfinals. They defeated Ivory Coast 4-0 in that group in a memorable win.
In securing their place for this tournament, Equatorial Guinea finished second in their qualifying group, a full eight points behind group winners Algeria. The side seems eager to build on that surprise performance in 2025 and are poised to cause some upsets in Morocco.
Team Overview
Managed by Coach Juan Micha, who is renowned for his clear tactical vision and a pragmatic approach to football, Equatorial Guinea has recorded impressive performances on the continental stage. Although they lack the same level of individual star power as some other teams, they have proven to be a well-organized and resilient side with their energetic and dynamic style of football.
Key Players:Equatorial Guinea has a number of solid players who will be key to their AFCON 2025 campaign. Amongst the notable players that are likely to feature for the side in Morocco include: Saúl Coco (Torino), Luís Asué (Moreirense), Jesús Owono (Alavés). There is also Emilio Nsue, a versatile forward who has played in Spain and England. Other notable players include goalkeeper Felipe Ovono, who has been a standout performer for the national team, and midfielder Pablo Ganet, who brings experience and energy to the center of the park.
Recent Form and AFCON Hopes:Micha has been building the Nzalang Nacional into a competitive team capable of challenging some of the continent's strongest sides.
In securing their place for this tournament, Equatorial Guinea finished second in their qualifying group, a full eight points behind group winners Algeria. If they can continue their upward trajectory and build on their previous tournament experience, they could be a surprise package in 2025.
The team’s collective spirit and strong work ethic coupled with Micha's adaptability to different opponents are their biggest assets.
Togo: The Hawkish Challengers Gearing Up for Dominance
Togo has had a tumultuous journey in African football, but the team has the potential to challenge for a top spot at AFCON 2025. Historically, Togo’s best showing came in 2006 when they reached the quarterfinals, and they are hoping to rediscover their former glory.
Team Overview:Togo’s national team, known as the Hawks, has seen a number of managerial changes in recent years, but they are currently under the guidance of Claude Le Roy, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience in African football. Le Roy’s tactical approach emphasizes a solid defensive structure combined with quick transitions in attack.
The team has a number of players capable of making an impact at the continental level. The most notable player is Emmanuel Adebayor, the former Premier League star who retired from international football in 2017 but has hinted at a possible return for AFCON 2025. Other key players include goalkeeper Kossi Agassa and midfielder Alaixys Romao, who have both been mainstays in the national team for years. If these players are in form and the team gels together, Togo could cause problems for some of the bigger teams in the competition.
The Togolese squad expected to bring football magic to Morocco
Goalkeepers: Malcolm Barcola, Mahadiou Sama, Achirafou Yaya
Defenders: Gustave Akueson, Mawouna Amevor, Youssifou Atte, Kennedy Boateng, Djene Dakonam, Kevin Boma, Sadik Fofana, Benjamin Holete
Midfielders: Evrard Agbagno, Roger Aholou, Kodjo Aziangbe, Dermane Karim, Thibault Klidje, Khaled Narey, Alaixys Romao, Marouf Tchakei
Forwards: Yaw Annor, Kevin Denkey, Fo Doh Laba, Franck Mawuena, Mansour Ouro-Tagba, Fessou Placa
The Hawks’ Recent Form and AFCON Hopes:Togo’s recent performances in African football have been inconsistent, and they’ve faced difficulties in World Cup qualification. However, with a coach of Le Roy’s pedigree and the possibility of a strong squad coming together, Togo can still aim for a competitive showing in 2025. Their ambitions will be to get past the group stage and perhaps even reach the knockout rounds, where anything can happen.
Liberia: The Lone Star that’s out to eclipse the competition
Liberia, led by one of Africa’s most famous footballing figures, George Weah, is a team that has had limited success on the continental stage. The country has qualified for AFCON only a few times, with their best showing coming in 1996 when they reached the quarterfinals. However, Liberia’s ambition is to make an impact in AFCON 2025 and continue building for the future.
Team Overview:Liberia’s men national team, known as the Lone Star, is 89 years old as of this year. The side is managed by Coach Mario Marinica, who has been tasked with taking the team to the next level with a style of play that revolves around a solid defensive setup, with the focus on counter-attacks and utilizing the speed of their wingers.
Key Players:Liberia’s standout player is undoubtedly George Weah’s son, Timothy, who plays for Juventus in Italy. He will be teaming up with the West African country’s international midfielder Nohan Kenneh in Morocco. Then, there is Prince Balde, who currently plays in Sweden. Balde was a key member under previous coaches Peter Butler and Ansu Keita but has yet to make an appearance since Marinica took over the national team. The former Global Pharma FC defender last played for Liberia in March 2023 during a 2-1 home defeat to South Africa in an AFCON qualifier. His consistent performances for FC Rosengård in the Swedish Division One have earned him a recall to the national squad.
Also for the first time under Marinica, right-back Joel Johnson, who plays in the United States for Charlotte Independence, has been called up. Johnson's last appearance for Liberia was against Equatorial Guinea in November 2023.
Unattached midfielder Armah Vaikainah, who has only made two club appearances (a total of 88 minutes) in 2024, is also included in the squad, while active players like William Jebor, Justin Salmon, and Brem Soumaoro have been omitted. Vaikainah has been a free agent since July after his contract with Maltese Premier League club Marsaxlokk expired, following a season where he made just nine appearances. His last match for Liberia was a brief five-minute appearance in the team's 1-0 victory against São Tomé and Príncipe last month.
Recent Form and AFCON Hopes:
Liberia has faced challenges in World Cup and AFCON qualification, but they have shown moments of promise, particularly with the federation’s introduction of a mix of ten professional players, two unattached players, two African-based players outside Liberia, one North American-based player, one Asian-based player, five home-based players, and eleven Europe-based players. These great talents coupled with Marinica’s bonafides in football coaching is sure to give the Lone Stars some fighting chance in Morocco.
