Overview
- AFCON 2025 runs in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, with the opening match and the final at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex across a nine-venue, six-city setup.
- Clubs must release players today, December 15, with up to 17 Premier League teams affected, including Liverpool losing Mohamed Salah to Egypt and Manchester United set to be without Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui.
- Liverpool confirm Salah has departed to join Egypt for the tournament, and while some outlets speculate about his club future, the immediate impact is his absence for multiple fixtures.
- Manchester United have sought permission for called-up players to face Bournemouth tonight despite the FIFA/CAF mandate, keeping their availability uncertain on matchday.
- Host Morocco enter as favourites according to recent coverage, though reports of captain Achraf Hakimi’s serious ankle injury present a concern, while South Africa complete preparations with a Ghana friendly and face Egypt on December 26 in Group B.