CAN 2025: Who are the title favorites according to Aliou Cissé?

CAN 2025: Aliou Cissé reveals his picks for the crown

Aliou Cissé / @x.com/duncangutse/

Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé, now at the helm of the Libyan national team, has named his homeland among the top contenders to win the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, set to be hosted in Morocco from December 21 this year through January 18, 2026.

The former coach of the Lions of Teranga shared in an interview with Moroccan outlet Elbotola: "I hope it will be Senegal, because I am from Senegal and my whole heart is with Senegal."

He added: "Apart from Senegal, there are plenty of teams capable of winning this AFCON. Morocco is also a strong candidate, as well as Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria."

Cissé concluded: "With the AFCON, you can never truly predict who will win. With a World Cup, you can make forecasts. But the AFCON is a whole different story… There will always be surprises."

It's worth noting that the tournament will kick off on December 21 with the opening match between Morocco and Comoros at the Prince Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.