AFCON 2025 PREDICTIONS: FIFA World Cup winner says Bafana Bafana are dark horses

Former FIFA World Cup champion Emmanuel Petit believes Bafana Bafana could surprise many at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, even though hosts Morocco remain his top pick to lift the trophy.

Petit, who made over 60 appearances for France and won the Premier League with Arsenal, says Morocco’s home advantage and star players, led by Achraf Hakimi, the reigning African Player of the Year, make them strong favorites.

South Africa, who have been placed in Group B alongside record champions Egypt, Zimbabwe and Angola, have been lauded for the quality they have to go all the way.

Who are the favourites?

“Who are my favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations? I would have to say Morocco because of the players they have, and they are playing at home,” Petit told Snabbare, as quoted by iol.co.za.

“Football can be very powerful in society to calm down the young generation. The whole competition will be in Morocco, and we all know the money and expectation from the King of Morocco.”

The tournament kicks off on Sunday, 21 December 2025, with Morocco facing Comoros at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Bafana Bafana: The Underdogs to Watch

Despite Morocco’s dominance, Petit believes South Africa could make a deep run:

“That being said, you can’t rule out South Africa either after qualifying for the World Cup. Bafana Bafana are underdogs to go all the way at the Africa Cup of Nations.”

South Africa will begin their AFCON campaign on Monday, 22 December, against Angola at Stade de Marrakech.