Benni McCarthy Backs Morocco and Ivory Coast for AFCON 2025 Glory, Snubs South Africa
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Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has stirred debate after leaving his home country, South Africa, out of his list of top contenders for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite Bafana Bafana’s recent resurgence under Belgian coach Hugo Broos, McCarthy believes other teams stand a stronger chance of winning the continental title in Morocco.
South Africa have enjoyed a promising run over the past two years, finishing third at AFCON 2023, qualifying for the 2025 tournament, and securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup, their first appearance since 2002. Yet McCarthy remains unconvinced that the team is ready to lift the trophy.
“In qualifying [for 2026 World Cup], I faced Ivory Coast once and I think they’ve got a really good squad,” McCarthy told Best Betting Sites.
Who Are Benni McCarthy’s AFCON 2025 Favourites?
The former South Africa international praised the reigning African champions Ivory Coast for their strength and talent. “They have decent players. They’ve got Amad Diallo, as well, as part of their team. They look really strong, they look good, and they could have a say in this African Nations Cup,” he said.
McCarthy also tipped host nation Morocco to win AFCON 2025 on home soil, highlighting their impressive depth and passionate fan base. “When you look on paper and you see the strength and depth in each squad, I’m leaning more towards the host, Morocco. I think Morocco is a formidable squad. You know, they’re strong and they’ll have the backing of all the fans, the passionate Moroccan fans that will fill the stadiums for every match. I think the hosts, Morocco, it looks like they could take it.”
Why Does McCarthy Believe Morocco Has the Edge?
The Harambee Stars coach expressed admiration for Morocco’s football progress in recent years. He pointed out that the nation’s youth and senior teams have consistently achieved success across multiple levels of competition. “And if you look now in modern-day football, Morocco’s under-20 national team is in the final at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile. They’ve just reached the final,” he said. “So the trajectory of Moroccan football is really on the up. The Olympic team got into the semi-final of the Olympics. There’s something that Morocco is really doing well. Morocco will be my favourite to win the tournament.”
Although Bafana Bafana defeated Morocco in the Round of 16 at AFCON 2023, McCarthy’s bold prediction suggests he sees the North African side as the continent’s current benchmark. His comments have reignited conversation among South African fans about the nation’s readiness to reclaim its place among Africa’s football elite.
By Yockshard Enyendi
