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.

AFCON 2026 Underdogs: Five Outsiders Set to Shock Favorites and Disrupt Tournament
Beyond the Favourites: Sudan, Mozambique, and EQ Guinea Ready to Rise

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.

EXCLUSIVE: AJAX AND SCHALKE LAUNCH BIDS FOR OUT-OF-CONTRACT RANGERS MIDFIELDER BAILEY RICE NOW

Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice is a top target for Ajax and Schalke. Get the latest on his contract status and potential summer exit.

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Rangers Prospect Bailey Rice Faces Major Career Crossroads This Summer - Photo Credit: SNS

Ajax and Schalke are chasing Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice, with both clubs working to seal a deal for the 19-year-old, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Rangers just wrapped up a training camp in Spain, gearing up for a crucial five-game stretch to go for the league title after the split earlier this month. Their run-in starts with Motherwell at home on Sunday, then a massive trip to face league leaders Hearts at Tynecastle next weekend.

After that comes the season’s final Old Firm showdown against Celtic at Parkhead on May 10, before closing out with Hibernian and Falkirk, who are the lowest-ranked teams in the split, having finished fifth and sixth.

This summer looks set for big changes at Rangers, and Rice is right at the centre of it. Romano reported on X that both Ajax and Schalke want to sign Rice as a free agent. The young Scottish midfielder is out of contract this summer. Talks over a new deal with Rangers haven’t worked out, so he’s weighing up his next move. Schalke reportedly already made him a personal offer, and Premier League side Aston Villa had also been linked with him earlier this year.

Rice has barely featured for Rangers this season after suffering a serious training injury that needed surgery; he’s only played a handful of minutes.

As for the rest of the squad, Rangers look set for another overhaul. After a busy transfer window last summer and more signings in January, things don’t seem to be slowing down. Manager Rohl has made do with what he has, but the club’s owners, the 49ers, are ready to back a ‘major recruitment drive’ this summer. Their aim? Knock Celtic off the top and keep Hearts from breaking up the Old Firm grip on Scottish football.

Nobody knows just how many players could come in yet, but it’s clear the owners are serious about shaking things up at Ibrox.

CARLO ANCELOTTI ISSUES TWO-MONTH WORLD CUP ULTIMATUM TO SANTOS STAR NEYMAR

Carlo Ancelotti confirms Neymar has two months to prove his fitness for the 2026 World Cup. Read the full Selecao update.

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Neymar remains Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches - Courtesy Picture

Everyone’s talking about Neymar again as the 2026 World Cup edges closer. It’s the same old debate: does he still have a spot with Brazil? But this time there’s real hope on the table. Carlo Ancelotti’s left the door open for Neymar to make the cut. Even though Neymar hasn’t made the latest squads, he’s obviously still on the minds of the Selecao coaches.

Here’s the situation: Neymar's been battling injuries since he tore his ACL. He missed the season’s first 10 games after knee surgery last December. He got back on the field, but fitness issues and a suspension meant he still watched from the sidelines quite a bit. Still, Ancelotti isn’t ruling him out. In an interview with L’Equipe, Ancelotti emphasised Neymar’s reputation but also made something very clear: if Neymar wants the World Cup, he needs to earn it.

Talent isn't a question; nobody doubts Neymar’s skill. What matters for Ancelotti is being fit. No exceptions, no matter how big the star. “Neymar can come back. I’ve said it before, and it’s simple: only physically ready players get called up,” Ancelotti said flat-out. “His recovery from the knee injury is going well; he’s scoring again. He just needs to keep pushing and get fitter. He’s headed in the right direction.”

With 79 goals in 128 matches, Neymar has shaped Brazil’s football history. Ancelotti gets that fans want to see Neymar try one more time for the one trophy he’s never won. “Neymar belongs to Brazil’s football story. He’s hugely talented, so obviously people hope he’ll help us win the next World Cup. Right now, he’s under assessment not just by the CBF but by me, too. He’s got two months left to show he has what it takes for the World Cup,” Ancelotti said.

Neymar’s chance to prove himself is coming fast, with big matches for Santos ahead. He’s expected to start this Saturday when they face Atlético-MG at Vila Belmiro. If Neymar stays healthy and sharp, that final World Cup dream is still alive.

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