African nations are set to make waves in the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with many boasting talented squads featuring players from the English Premier League. The tournament, which is expected to draw massive global attention, promises even more excitement than previous editions.
Algeria, led by Rayan Ait-Nouri, are looking to capitalize on their Manchester City experience, blending controlled possession with disciplined pressing triggers. Ait-Nouri's positional structure and defensive resilience will be key in anchoring the team's defense.
Burkina Faso, meanwhile, are relying on a mix of youth and experience, including Dango Ouattara, Issa Kabore, and Bertrand Traore, who have all played for Premier League clubs. Their fast-paced style of play will be difficult to contain.
Cameroon, with Bryan Mbeumo, Carlos Baleba, and Andre Onana at their disposal, are looking to exploit the physical tempo of AFCON. Their model of power, speed, and fast counters is tailor-made for the tournament's demands.
DR Congo, featuring Yoane Wissa, Axel Tuanzebe, and Noah Sadiki, will rely on their tactical organisation, athleticism, and explosive wide play. The team's Premier League core provides depth across the pitch.
Egypt, with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, are known for their compact defensive structures and controlled possession. The Liverpool talisman remains the focal point of chance creation and finishing.
Ivory Coast, led by Hamed Junior Traore, Malick Yalcouye, and David Datro Fofana, will blend expressive attacking play with tactical organisation. Their team is well-equipped to take on higher-ranked opponents.
Mali, featuring Cheick Doucoure and Yves Bissouma, are relying on a robust midfield core, ball-winning, and tempo control. The team's Premier League experience provides composure under pressure.
Morocco, with Noussair Mazraoui, Chemsdine Talbi, and Chadi Riad, will support their modern blueprint of compact organisation and devastating transitions. Their Premier League-based profiles add to the team's tactical DNA.
Mozambique, led by Reinildo Mandava, are looking to elevate their structure against higher-ranked opposition. The player brings leadership, balance on the left flank, and defensive reliability.
Nigeria, featuring Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, and Ola Aina, blend expressive attacking play with tactical organisation. Their Premier League core provides depth across the pitch.
Senegal, led by Abdallah Sima, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr, and Idrissa Gueye, are known for their athletic pressing, disciplined defending, and explosive wide play. The team's experience at every level makes them a tournament favourite.
South Africa, featuring Lyle Foster, will rely on midfield steel and powerful forward play. The player provides muscle, control, and tactical discipline in midfield.
Tunisia, with Hannibal Mejbri, are known for their tactically disciplined sides. The player fits seamlessly into that identity, offering creativity and ball progression without compromising the team's defensive work-rate and organisation.
Zimbabwe, led by Marshall Munetsi and Tawanda Chirewa, will rely on midfield steel and powerful forward play. The players provide muscle, control, and tactical discipline in midfield.
While not every nation has Premier League representation, African football is about heart and unpredictability. Players returning from the EPL bring more than technical skill β they carry tactical intelligence, physical resilience, and high-tempo decision-making honed under competitive conditions. This translates into leadership, composure under pressure, and a capacity to execute strategies that can turn matches with millions of eyes on them.
Algeria, led by Rayan Ait-Nouri, are looking to capitalize on their Manchester City experience, blending controlled possession with disciplined pressing triggers. Ait-Nouri's positional structure and defensive resilience will be key in anchoring the team's defense.
Burkina Faso, meanwhile, are relying on a mix of youth and experience, including Dango Ouattara, Issa Kabore, and Bertrand Traore, who have all played for Premier League clubs. Their fast-paced style of play will be difficult to contain.
Cameroon, with Bryan Mbeumo, Carlos Baleba, and Andre Onana at their disposal, are looking to exploit the physical tempo of AFCON. Their model of power, speed, and fast counters is tailor-made for the tournament's demands.
DR Congo, featuring Yoane Wissa, Axel Tuanzebe, and Noah Sadiki, will rely on their tactical organisation, athleticism, and explosive wide play. The team's Premier League core provides depth across the pitch.
Egypt, with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, are known for their compact defensive structures and controlled possession. The Liverpool talisman remains the focal point of chance creation and finishing.
Ivory Coast, led by Hamed Junior Traore, Malick Yalcouye, and David Datro Fofana, will blend expressive attacking play with tactical organisation. Their team is well-equipped to take on higher-ranked opponents.
Mali, featuring Cheick Doucoure and Yves Bissouma, are relying on a robust midfield core, ball-winning, and tempo control. The team's Premier League experience provides composure under pressure.
Morocco, with Noussair Mazraoui, Chemsdine Talbi, and Chadi Riad, will support their modern blueprint of compact organisation and devastating transitions. Their Premier League-based profiles add to the team's tactical DNA.
Mozambique, led by Reinildo Mandava, are looking to elevate their structure against higher-ranked opposition. The player brings leadership, balance on the left flank, and defensive reliability.
Nigeria, featuring Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, and Ola Aina, blend expressive attacking play with tactical organisation. Their Premier League core provides depth across the pitch.
Senegal, led by Abdallah Sima, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr, and Idrissa Gueye, are known for their athletic pressing, disciplined defending, and explosive wide play. The team's experience at every level makes them a tournament favourite.
South Africa, featuring Lyle Foster, will rely on midfield steel and powerful forward play. The player provides muscle, control, and tactical discipline in midfield.
Tunisia, with Hannibal Mejbri, are known for their tactically disciplined sides. The player fits seamlessly into that identity, offering creativity and ball progression without compromising the team's defensive work-rate and organisation.
Zimbabwe, led by Marshall Munetsi and Tawanda Chirewa, will rely on midfield steel and powerful forward play. The players provide muscle, control, and tactical discipline in midfield.
While not every nation has Premier League representation, African football is about heart and unpredictability. Players returning from the EPL bring more than technical skill β they carry tactical intelligence, physical resilience, and high-tempo decision-making honed under competitive conditions. This translates into leadership, composure under pressure, and a capacity to execute strategies that can turn matches with millions of eyes on them.