The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is underway in Morocco, is beginning to reveal its familiar rhythm — early drama, late goals, and the steady emergence of the tournament’s usual powerhouses. After the first few days of compelling group-stage action across the Northern African country, the quality gap between Africa’s heavyweights and the chasing pack is already visible, even as hopes remain alive for nations still finding their footing — including East Africa’s representatives, Uganda and Tanzania. ALSO READ: What to know about Morocco as it hosts AFCON 2025 Hosts Morocco have wasted no time asserting themselves. Their opening 2-0 win over Comoros was calm and authoritative, setting the tone for a campaign in which they look every bit the tournament’s favorites. Walid Regragui’s side combines tactical clarity, physical strength, and elite-level experience honed in Europe’s top leagues. The Atlas Lions also enjoy home support in familiar conditions. Time must be now to the end their continental trophy jinx, having last lifted AFCON in 1976. Elsewhere, Egypt once again showed why AFCON history often bends in their favor. Against Zimbabwe, the Pharaohs were far from dominant, yet still found a way to win, rallying from behind through Omar Marmoush and a trademark stoppage-time strike from Mohamed Salah. Their upcoming clash with South Africa, who impressed in a 2-1 win over Angola, will be an early test of credentials, but Egypt’s pedigree keeps them firmly among the title contenders. Nigeria’s opening 2-1 victory over Tanzania underlined their potential — and their volatility. The Super Eagles possess explosive attacking talent, and goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman secured the points. ALSO READ: AFCON 2025: The favourites, outsiders and dark horses Yet Tanzania’s response after halftime showed Nigeria can be unsettled. With Victor Osimhen still to fully assert himself, Nigeria remain one of the tournament’s most dangerous sides, capable of overwhelming opponents. But the Super Eagles are occasionally vulnerable to disruption. Senegal sent one of the clearest messages of the opening rounds. Their 3-0 dismantling of Botswana in Tangier was efficient, physical, and ruthless. Nicolas Jackson’s brace and Chérif Ndiaye’s late goal reflected a squad with depth, balance, and confidence. DR Congo’s narrow 1-0 win over Benin was equally impressive in discipline and resilience, setting up a mouth-watering showdown that could decide group supremacy. Senegal’s blend of experience and consistency places them firmly among the early favorites to lift the trophy. Algeria, 3-0 winners against Sudan, and holders Ivory Coast, who launched their title defense with a narrow 1-0 win over Mozambique, remain part of the established elite. Algeria’s technical quality and tournament control give them the edge, while reigning champions Ivory Coast bring belief and resilience into the mix. So who stands tallest in the title race? On current evidence, Morocco hold the strongest hand. Home advantage, tactical maturity, and squad depth give them a decisive edge, with Senegal and Nigeria closest behind, albeit, in no particular order. Closer to home, and for East Africa, however, the narrative is different — and deeply significant. Both Uganda and Tanzania opened with defeats, but neither is eliminated. Uganda were thrashed 3-1 by Tunisia, whereas Tanzania suffered a 2-1 defeat against Nigeria. Their upcoming regional derby in Group C on Saturday carries enormous weight, not just for qualification hopes, but for pride and momentum in a region still striving for consistent AFCON impact. Historically, East African teams have struggled to translate regional success onto the continental stage. Uganda’s best AFCON performances date back decades, while Tanzania’s appearances have been sporadic, often ending at the group stage. Yet both nations have made strides in organization, player development, and competitiveness. Tanzania’s spirited display against Nigeria and Uganda’s late response against Tunisia suggest neither side is merely making up numbers. The winner of Saturday’s derby will still have a fighting chance, depending on final group results. Uganda face a daunting test against Nigeria, while Tanzania must contend with Tunisia’s discipline and experience. Progression would require not just results, but belief — something East African football has often lacked on this stage. The pair must use the occasion to leave a mark and fire a warning that not any side is safe to win at their home turfs when they co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya, who aren’t in Morocco this time round. AFCON 2025 is still young, but early signs have already reinforced a familiar truth — the usual top dogs remain powerful, yet the margins remain thin, and dreams (for/of many) remain alive.
