Aurier: No Small Teams in AFCON, Morocco Highly Respected

No More Underdogs: Aurier Praises Balanced AFCON 2025 Draw and Morocco’s Esteem
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 draw, held at the Mohammed V Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, has set the stage for a thrilling tournament. Ivorian football star Serge Aurier, speaking to Belpresse Sport, emphasized the balanced nature of the draw, suggesting that the era of “small teams” is over. “Every team got what they wanted, and we’ll all deal with this reality,” Aurier stated. “The one certainty is that there are no small teams anymore.”
This sentiment reflects a growing trend in African football. The increasing professionalism, tactical awareness, and access to high-quality coaching across the continent have leveled the playing field. Gone are the days when a handful of nations could be considered guaranteed favorites. The rise of teams like Comoros, who qualified for their first AFCON in 2021, demonstrates the narrowing gap in quality. This increased competitiveness makes every match a potential upset, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament. A look at recent AFCON tournaments reveals surprising results, further solidifying Aurier’s point. For example, in the 2021 AFCON, Gambia, in their tournament debut, reached the quarter-finals, showcasing the potential for any team to make a deep run.
Aurier’s comments also highlight the growing respect for Moroccan football. Morocco’s recent successes, including their historic semi-final run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, have cemented their place among Africa’s elite. Hosting the AFCON 2025 further solidifies their standing within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The investment in infrastructure, youth development, and coaching education within Morocco has paid dividends, creating a strong domestic league and a talented national team. This success has inspired other African nations to invest more in their footballing infrastructure, further contributing to the overall improvement in the quality of football across the continent. Morocco’s hosting of the tournament is a testament to the country’s growing influence in African football and its commitment to developing the sport. [Link to an article about Morocco’s football development programs could be added here.]
The AFCON 2025 draw itself promises a captivating tournament. With several groups featuring traditional powerhouses alongside emerging nations, the competition for qualification to the knockout stages will be fierce. [Link to an article about the AFCON 2025 draw and groups could be added here.] This balanced draw ensures that fans can anticipate thrilling matches from the group stage onwards, with no easy victories guaranteed. The tournament is not just about crowning a champion; it’s a celebration of African football’s progress and the growing parity among its nations.
The increasing competitiveness in African football is a positive sign for the future of the sport. As more nations invest in their footballing infrastructure and development programs, the gap between the traditional powerhouses and the emerging nations will continue to shrink. This will lead to more exciting and unpredictable tournaments, captivating fans worldwide and further elevating the status of African football on the global stage. The AFCON 2025, hosted by a respected footballing nation like Morocco, is poised to be a landmark tournament, showcasing the best of African football and its bright future.
No Easy Games: Aurier Emphasizes the Level Playing Field at AFCON 2025
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 draw, held at the Mohammed V Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling tournament. Ivorian football star Serge Aurier, speaking to Belpresse Sport, highlighted the balanced nature of the draw, emphasizing that there are no ”small teams” in modern African football.
Aurier’s perspective reflects a growing consensus among analysts and fans. The gap between traditionally dominant nations and emerging footballing powers is shrinking rapidly. This is evident in recent AFCON tournaments, with teams like Comoros making their debut in 2021 and reaching the knockout stages, and Gambia, another debutant, reaching the quarter-finals in the same tournament. These performances underscore the increasing competitiveness of African football. The rise of these nations is fueled by improved infrastructure, coaching, and the growing number of African players competing in top European leagues.
“Every team got what they wanted, and we’ll all deal with that reality,” Aurier told Belpresse Sport. “The one certainty is that there are no small teams. Everyone will have to fight hard for every point.” This sentiment echoes the unpredictable nature of recent international tournaments, where established powerhouses have been vulnerable to upsets. The 2022 FIFA World Cup saw Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals, a testament to the shifting landscape of international football. Similarly, in the 2021 AFCON, Tunisia knocked out Nigeria, demonstrating the narrowing gap in African football.
Aurier’s comments also point to the respect Morocco commands as a footballing nation. The country’s investment in football infrastructure, including world-class stadiums and training facilities, has been instrumental in its rise. Furthermore, the success of the Moroccan national team, both at the AFCON and the World Cup, has elevated the nation’s status within African and global football. Hosting the AFCON in 2025 is a testament to Morocco’s growing influence in the sport. The Atlas Lions’ performance in Qatar, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, has further solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with. This success has inspired a generation of young Moroccan footballers and raised the profile of the sport across the continent.
The AFCON 2025 draw has created exciting group stage matchups, promising a fierce battle for qualification to the knockout stages. With no clear favorites and the potential for upsets, the tournament is set to captivate audiences worldwide. The increasing competitiveness of African football, combined with the prestige of the tournament and the passionate fan base, ensures that AFCON 2025 will be a must-watch event. As Aurier suggests, every match will be a contest, and the eventual winner will have truly earned their crown.