As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) prepares to kick off in Morocco this Sunday, football analysts are intensifying their assessments of the tournament’s potential champions. BBC Sport’s renowned expert John Bennett recently provided Football Focus with an authoritative breakdown of the national teams most likely to claim continental glory.
The upcoming tournament marks another chapter in Africa’s premier football competition, bringing together the continent’s finest talent across numerous world-class venues in Morocco. Bennett’s analysis delved beyond superficial rankings to examine tactical formations, key player matchups, and historical performance patterns that could determine the ultimate outcome.
Among the highlighted contenders are defending champions who must demonstrate their capacity to retain supremacy against increasingly competitive opposition. Bennett’s evaluation also identified dark horse candidates capable of surprising the established football powerhouses, noting how specific team dynamics and managerial strategies might create unexpected advantages.
The geographical and climatic conditions in Morocco present unique challenges that could influence team performance, particularly for squads accustomed to different playing environments. Bennett emphasized how squad depth and injury management throughout the grueling tournament schedule might prove decisive in the latter stages.
This comprehensive preview sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most competitive AFCON tournaments in recent history, with multiple teams possessing legitimate claims to the championship while facing the immense pressure that accompanies continental expectations.