Kolo Touré backs Ivory Coast for AFCON 2025 glory

Assistant coach of Manchester City Kolo Touré has thrown his weight behind Ivory Coast to defend the Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.

The Elephant go into the 2025 AFCON tournament as the defending champions, having won the last edition held on home soil. Ivory Coast triumphed over Nigeria to clinch the 2023 continental showpiece, marking their third AFCON success in history.

Despite acknowledging the threat posed by the North African countries, the former Arsenal star has backed his native country to secure the AFCON title for the second time running.

“North African teams are always difficult; Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria. I will support my country, Ivory Coast, as we are the defending champions.” He said.

The 35^th edition of the continental showpiece has been scheduled to run from December 21, 2025 through to January 18, 2026 in Morocco, with 24 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy.

Ivory Coast are paired in Group F against Mozambique, Cameroon and Gabon. The Elephants will open their AFCON account against Mozambique on December 24, 2025.