Marmoush explains why Egypt are favourites to lift AFCON

Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush has shared his thoughts on what to expect from Egypt when they kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on home soil.

The 35th edition of the AFCON organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will get underway on December 12. The Pharaohs have been drawn in Group B alongside Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Egypt holds a unique place in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). As the tournament’s very first champion in 1957, the Pharaohs have established themselves as the continent’s most decorated team, boasting seven titles and an outstanding record of 26 tournament appearances.

Egypt going to win the AFCON

“We are going to win the Africa Cup of Nations, of course, and then the World Cup,” declared Marmoush as quoted by Foot Africa.

“With the players, the squad, and the quality we have as the Egyptian national team, we are the best team in Africa. We don’t just want to make a name for ourselves by saying: ‘We played in the World Cup’—that’s not enough. We’re going to the World Cup to get out of the group stage and show the world who we are.”

The Egyptians won the inaugural 1957, and successfully defended it two years later. However, Egypt had to wait until 1986 to win it for the third time. Egypt is also the country that hosted the most AFCON editions, five times. Three of them ended with Egypt being crowned champions.

In Morocco, they will kick off their campaign against the Warriors at Stade Adrar on Sunday, before they face South Africa on Friday at the same venue. Their final group fixture will be against Angola on December 29.