New York Mayor Shares His Predictions for AFCON 2025, Mentions Morocco Among Potential Winners

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Zahran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City, has shared his personal expectations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, offering a mix of admiration, optimism, and realism regarding several African national teams. His comments were made in a short video that has circulated widely on social media platforms in recent days.

Morocco, World Cup Momentum and AFCON Ambitions

Mamdani pointed to Morocco national football team as a potential tournament winner. He referenced Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the team reached the semi-finals and finished fourth, the best performance ever by an African nation.

According to the New York mayor, the continuity within the Moroccan squad is a key strength. He noted that many of the same players who impressed on the world stage are still part of the current team, calling this stability “truly remarkable” and a strong foundation for success at the continental level.

Uganda as a Dark Horse, Senegal and Egypt to Watch

Speaking from a personal perspective, Mamdani also mentioned his Ugandan roots. Born in Uganda before moving to New York at the age of seven, he expressed pride in Uganda national football team qualifying for the tournament. While tempering expectations, he said he hoped Uganda could at least advance from the group stage and possibly aim for a third-place finish, acknowledging that such ambitions remain uncertain.

When asked about potential dark horses, Mamdani cited Uganda, while admitting that this might be an optimistic view. He also emphasized that Senegal national football team and Egypt should never be ruled out, especially with world-class players like Mohamed Salah capable of influencing decisive moments.

Overall, Mamdani’s remarks reflect the growing global interest in the Africa Cup of Nations, as well as Morocco’s rising profile as a major force in international football ahead of the 2025 tournament.