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AFCON 2026 UNDERDOGS: FIVE OUTSIDERS SET TO SHOCK FAVORITES AND DISRUPT TOURNAMENT
Underdogs like Comoros (unbeaten in qualifying) and Sudan (World Cup qualifier shock) bring tactical discipline and confidence to AFCON 2025, ready to challenge giants.
With AFCON 2025 getting close, some underdog teams might be getting ready to shake things up.
In past tournaments, a few teams that didn't seem strong made it to the knockout rounds, which upset some of the favourites.
Here are some underdogs who could make a splash at the 2025 AFCON.
Zambia
After winning the AFCON trophy in 2012, Zambia is starting to look good again. The Chipolopolo finished first in their qualifying group, ahead of Côte d’Ivoire, the current champions, so they definitely mean business. Their team has a mix of young talent and experienced players, like Patson Daka from Leicester City and captain Lubambo Musonda.
Comoros
Comoros surprised everyone in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers by finishing ahead of Tunisia in their group. This shows how much they've improved since their first appearance in 2021. Coach Stefano Cusin still leads the team, and they depend on a strong defence and quick counterattacks.
Sudan
Sudan did well in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including a surprising win over DR Congo, which used to be an AFCON semi-finalist. This shows that they're ready to compete with the big teams.
Sudan, once seen as a weak team, is creating a new identity in African soccer. Ghanaian coach John Kwesi Appiah is helping them change, with a focus on young players and a more attacking style.
Mozambique
Mozambique is known for being a tough team to play. The Mambas have been competitive lately because they're tough and determined. With important players like Hélder Pelembe and Reinaldo leading the way, Mozambique has enough talent to aim for more than just the group stage.
Equatorial Guinea
No team can underestimate Equatorial Guinea at AFCON 2025, because they've shown they can surprise anyone.
At the 2023 AFCON, Equatorial Guinea beat Côte d’Ivoire 4-0, proving they can play well under pressure. Coach Juan Micha has built a team that is competitive and knows what it's doing, and that's what makes them stand out.
WILFRIED NANCY: CELTIC BOSS BLOCKS OUT ALL "NOISE" AND CRITICISM AFTER HEARTS LOSS
After the heat following the Hearts' loss, Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy stated he has "blocked everything out," including social media criticism, to focus solely on the team's performance.
Celtic's head coach, Wilfried Nancy, said he tunes out all the noise when making decisions as a manager.
This comes after the Frenchman faced some heat after a 2-1 loss to Heart of Midlothian in his first game with the Glasgow team.
Before the Europa League match against AS Roma, Nancy said he doesn't pay attention to what others think.
When asked if those opinions bother him, he told a press conference, "That's a good question."
I'll be honest.
Every team I've coached—when I decided to become a coach—well, when I had the chance to become a coach, I'd been an assistant for seven years, working with many coaches.
I always told myself that when I became a coach, I'd block everything out. And that's exactly what I did.
He said he's built a wall between himself and any outside opinions, even online criticism.
I've blocked anything on Twitter that mentions my name, the club, or what people are saying.
People can say what they want. It's part of the job, and that's what we prepare for. I'm not here to comment on everything.
The manager explained that ignoring public opinion helps him focus on what he can control to improve how the team plays.
He used an analogy about how everyone has different tastes, like when people have different experiences with the same food.
We could visit a restaurant together, and you might love the food, while I don't.
Get what I mean? You like it, and I don't.
Nancy made his goals clear: he's focused on his players and the club and wants to do his best to give good performances.
He wrapped up by saying, At the end of the day, it's part of the job. I control what I can to be good with my players, my club, and the people I work with and to make sure we have the best chance of winning by playing well.
His team will play AS Roma in the Europa League tomorrow.
PEACE PRIZE SCRUTINY: FIFA FACES FORMAL COMPLAINT ABOUT UNILATERAL DONALD TRUMP AWARD
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is accused of four breaches of the ethics code by FairSquare, including awarding the first FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump at the World Cup draw.
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After the World Cup draw last week, FIFA is facing a formal complaint about political neutrality. FairSquare, a nonprofit, sent FIFA’s Ethics Committee a detailed letter pointing out four possible violations by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the event, one of which was giving out the FIFA Peace Prize.
Calls for FIFA to Look Into It
FairSquare's complaint follows the World Cup draw. At the event, the awarding of the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize was part of several mentions of President Donald Trump. FIFA said the award recognised Trump’s work in promoting peace and unity around the world.
FairSquare believes that giving the prize, along with other things that happened during the event, might have gone against FIFA’s policy of being politically neutral. They've requested the ethics committee to look into the decision to create and give out the FIFA Peace Prize and whether it followed FIFA’s rules.
Infantino and Trump
Infantino and Trump have met a few times over the years, which isn't unusual, as FIFA presidents often meet with leaders from different countries. During the draw, Infantino made some comments about Trump.
He said he was surprised by negative comments about Trump. He stated that, regardless of not being American, Trump was elected in the United States, and one should respect the results of a democratic election.
FairSquare's complaint argues that these statements show a political stance, breaking FIFA’s neutrality rules.
FIFA's Ethics Code
FIFA's ethics code says that the organisation should stay neutral when it comes to politics. It specifically says FIFA remains neutral in matters of politics and religion, also requiring everyone bound by the code to remain politically neutral when dealing with government groups.
Infantino has met with Trump a few times, including an invitation to the presidential inauguration and visits to the Oval Office.
Acting Alone
The Peace Prize given to Trump has been questioned, as it seems it was decided on and awarded without talking to senior FIFA officials. High-ranking FIFA officials were unaware of the award before its announcement. The award was revealed on the same day Infantino spoke at an event in the United States.
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