90 Collective
@90collective.bsky.social
by @dparks.world - an account to house my threads, writing & graphs. trying to make the best international soccer content on the planet
If you made it all the way through this, as always thanks for reading & hope this helped get you informed but more importantly excited for the Cup of Nations!
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
If you made it all the way through this, as always thanks for reading & hope this helped get you informed but more importantly excited for the Cup of Nations!
This marks the 2nd of 3 AFCONs in 9 months, the next one just 2 months after this men's edition. Crazy good moment for African soccer currently. I hope lots of people are able to watch it & i am so excited for holiday soccer that isn't just euro club ball
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
This marks the 2nd of 3 AFCONs in 9 months, the next one just 2 months after this men's edition. Crazy good moment for African soccer currently. I hope lots of people are able to watch it & i am so excited for holiday soccer that isn't just euro club ball
It isn't the analytics-packed guide that I make for summer tournaments, i really save those for that time of year just because this is all for fun out of my own time. So I do miss scouting these teams for play styles & whatnot, not my most comprehensive preview, but still couldn't help but do one!
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
It isn't the analytics-packed guide that I make for summer tournaments, i really save those for that time of year just because this is all for fun out of my own time. So I do miss scouting these teams for play styles & whatnot, not my most comprehensive preview, but still couldn't help but do one!
And that wraps my "Intrigue Rankings" AFCON preview. I enjoyed doing this for a 3rd-place-usually-advances cup, when group-by-group examination feels less important. Might run it back for future cups with that same format
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
And that wraps my "Intrigue Rankings" AFCON preview. I enjoyed doing this for a 3rd-place-usually-advances cup, when group-by-group examination feels less important. Might run it back for future cups with that same format
This Morocco team hosting at this time just feels so stars-aligned, so much that I am doing something rare & personally picking a tournament's #1 favorite to win the entire thing. It takes a lot for me to do that!
They will have to earn it, though. Great field of teams. Great tournament incoming!
They will have to earn it, though. Great field of teams. Great tournament incoming!
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
This Morocco team hosting at this time just feels so stars-aligned, so much that I am doing something rare & personally picking a tournament's #1 favorite to win the entire thing. It takes a lot for me to do that!
They will have to earn it, though. Great field of teams. Great tournament incoming!
They will have to earn it, though. Great field of teams. Great tournament incoming!
Morocco enter on perfect - not unbeaten, perfect - since dropping out at R16 two years ago. 14 games, 48 GF, 4 GA. Even in their "AFCONQ" that were essentially friendlies for this winter's hosts.
They've earned the accolades, but now they carry the pressure & target on their backs.
They've earned the accolades, but now they carry the pressure & target on their backs.
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Morocco enter on perfect - not unbeaten, perfect - since dropping out at R16 two years ago. 14 games, 48 GF, 4 GA. Even in their "AFCONQ" that were essentially friendlies for this winter's hosts.
They've earned the accolades, but now they carry the pressure & target on their backs.
They've earned the accolades, but now they carry the pressure & target on their backs.
1: Morocco
All. In.
The moment is massive for Morocco.
First time hosting MAFCON since 1988. Their last MAFCON title? 1978. Far, far away from the last time any other Men's African giant last lifted it.
Hosting this tournament in the midst of their Golden Generation.
The stakes are HUGE
All. In.
The moment is massive for Morocco.
First time hosting MAFCON since 1988. Their last MAFCON title? 1978. Far, far away from the last time any other Men's African giant last lifted it.
Hosting this tournament in the midst of their Golden Generation.
The stakes are HUGE
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
1: Morocco
All. In.
The moment is massive for Morocco.
First time hosting MAFCON since 1988. Their last MAFCON title? 1978. Far, far away from the last time any other Men's African giant last lifted it.
Hosting this tournament in the midst of their Golden Generation.
The stakes are HUGE
All. In.
The moment is massive for Morocco.
First time hosting MAFCON since 1988. Their last MAFCON title? 1978. Far, far away from the last time any other Men's African giant last lifted it.
Hosting this tournament in the midst of their Golden Generation.
The stakes are HUGE
Teamwide: Egypt conceded 7 goals / 4 games in 2024 AFCON. That is atrocious for a historically unbreakable international defense.
The coaching reigns changed right after & the wall was restored. 4 goals conceded in 16 competitives since.
Egypt are a worthy favorite for this title
The coaching reigns changed right after & the wall was restored. 4 goals conceded in 16 competitives since.
Egypt are a worthy favorite for this title
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Teamwide: Egypt conceded 7 goals / 4 games in 2024 AFCON. That is atrocious for a historically unbreakable international defense.
The coaching reigns changed right after & the wall was restored. 4 goals conceded in 16 competitives since.
Egypt are a worthy favorite for this title
The coaching reigns changed right after & the wall was restored. 4 goals conceded in 16 competitives since.
Egypt are a worthy favorite for this title
A fair counterargument to me!
Egypt 3-peated MAFCON 2006-2010. Salah debuted in 2011. Returning them to MWC is huge, but that empty trophy case casts a giant shadow over him seemingly.
The nation & even his teammates feel like they owe this for him. Another MAFCON, another huge narrative of this
Egypt 3-peated MAFCON 2006-2010. Salah debuted in 2011. Returning them to MWC is huge, but that empty trophy case casts a giant shadow over him seemingly.
The nation & even his teammates feel like they owe this for him. Another MAFCON, another huge narrative of this
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
A fair counterargument to me!
Egypt 3-peated MAFCON 2006-2010. Salah debuted in 2011. Returning them to MWC is huge, but that empty trophy case casts a giant shadow over him seemingly.
The nation & even his teammates feel like they owe this for him. Another MAFCON, another huge narrative of this
Egypt 3-peated MAFCON 2006-2010. Salah debuted in 2011. Returning them to MWC is huge, but that empty trophy case casts a giant shadow over him seemingly.
The nation & even his teammates feel like they owe this for him. Another MAFCON, another huge narrative of this
2: Egypt
Salah's quest to finally conquer Africa feels as important as Messi's quest to finally conquer the World, genuinely.
I really try to preview teams as TEAMS, but it is impossible to ignore this individual storyline: the biggest counter to his "best African men's player of all time" claim
Salah's quest to finally conquer Africa feels as important as Messi's quest to finally conquer the World, genuinely.
I really try to preview teams as TEAMS, but it is impossible to ignore this individual storyline: the biggest counter to his "best African men's player of all time" claim
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
2: Egypt
Salah's quest to finally conquer Africa feels as important as Messi's quest to finally conquer the World, genuinely.
I really try to preview teams as TEAMS, but it is impossible to ignore this individual storyline: the biggest counter to his "best African men's player of all time" claim
Salah's quest to finally conquer Africa feels as important as Messi's quest to finally conquer the World, genuinely.
I really try to preview teams as TEAMS, but it is impossible to ignore this individual storyline: the biggest counter to his "best African men's player of all time" claim
..who erased all memories of 2024, qualifying for 2026WC in 10 games while NEVER conceding a goal.
I'm personally not going for them again, but they have made themselves into a nightmare for anybody to play against that automatically makes them real contenders in North Africa this winter.
I'm personally not going for them again, but they have made themselves into a nightmare for anybody to play against that automatically makes them real contenders in North Africa this winter.
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
..who erased all memories of 2024, qualifying for 2026WC in 10 games while NEVER conceding a goal.
I'm personally not going for them again, but they have made themselves into a nightmare for anybody to play against that automatically makes them real contenders in North Africa this winter.
I'm personally not going for them again, but they have made themselves into a nightmare for anybody to play against that automatically makes them real contenders in North Africa this winter.
3: Tunisia
Full disclosure, I am still pissed at these guys, my predicted 2024 MAFCON champions, for laying a 2-point egg there. The rest of that year saw more horrific defending, home losses, & a stumble into the next AFCON. Well, all of that resulted in a change in manager...
Full disclosure, I am still pissed at these guys, my predicted 2024 MAFCON champions, for laying a 2-point egg there. The rest of that year saw more horrific defending, home losses, & a stumble into the next AFCON. Well, all of that resulted in a change in manager...
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
3: Tunisia
Full disclosure, I am still pissed at these guys, my predicted 2024 MAFCON champions, for laying a 2-point egg there. The rest of that year saw more horrific defending, home losses, & a stumble into the next AFCON. Well, all of that resulted in a change in manager...
Full disclosure, I am still pissed at these guys, my predicted 2024 MAFCON champions, for laying a 2-point egg there. The rest of that year saw more horrific defending, home losses, & a stumble into the next AFCON. Well, all of that resulted in a change in manager...
4: Nigeria
The most talented on-paper team has been through it, losing last final & losing the WC playoff. They have nothing to lose in the most important mens games for their next 2 years of play.
Still rocking with the same manager which i find interesting.
All or nothing for the Super Eagles!
The most talented on-paper team has been through it, losing last final & losing the WC playoff. They have nothing to lose in the most important mens games for their next 2 years of play.
Still rocking with the same manager which i find interesting.
All or nothing for the Super Eagles!
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
4: Nigeria
The most talented on-paper team has been through it, losing last final & losing the WC playoff. They have nothing to lose in the most important mens games for their next 2 years of play.
Still rocking with the same manager which i find interesting.
All or nothing for the Super Eagles!
The most talented on-paper team has been through it, losing last final & losing the WC playoff. They have nothing to lose in the most important mens games for their next 2 years of play.
Still rocking with the same manager which i find interesting.
All or nothing for the Super Eagles!
5: Gabon
Feels like Auba's last chance to finally do something special for Gabon. A worthy qualifying campaign ended in the playoffs, but builds up nicely for a deep run here with nothing else on the horizon. They finally beat who they should beat with consistency & look to break the next ceiling
Feels like Auba's last chance to finally do something special for Gabon. A worthy qualifying campaign ended in the playoffs, but builds up nicely for a deep run here with nothing else on the horizon. They finally beat who they should beat with consistency & look to break the next ceiling
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
5: Gabon
Feels like Auba's last chance to finally do something special for Gabon. A worthy qualifying campaign ended in the playoffs, but builds up nicely for a deep run here with nothing else on the horizon. They finally beat who they should beat with consistency & look to break the next ceiling
Feels like Auba's last chance to finally do something special for Gabon. A worthy qualifying campaign ended in the playoffs, but builds up nicely for a deep run here with nothing else on the horizon. They finally beat who they should beat with consistency & look to break the next ceiling
6: South Africa
Like DRC, my gut says this isn't *their time* to win the continent. RSA come off a great WCQ of 2025 against all odds including a point deduction, but feel very different from the semifinalists of last AFCON - key heroes of that run missing here; they score more but concede more
Like DRC, my gut says this isn't *their time* to win the continent. RSA come off a great WCQ of 2025 against all odds including a point deduction, but feel very different from the semifinalists of last AFCON - key heroes of that run missing here; they score more but concede more
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
6: South Africa
Like DRC, my gut says this isn't *their time* to win the continent. RSA come off a great WCQ of 2025 against all odds including a point deduction, but feel very different from the semifinalists of last AFCON - key heroes of that run missing here; they score more but concede more
Like DRC, my gut says this isn't *their time* to win the continent. RSA come off a great WCQ of 2025 against all odds including a point deduction, but feel very different from the semifinalists of last AFCON - key heroes of that run missing here; they score more but concede more
7: Algeria
2019 still feels recent enough that they aren't SUPER hungry for another yet - their moment right now is all about the MWC return - but I am intrigued by Petkovic at the helm & VERY excited for a midfield of Bennacer & Aouar. Talk about two total hoopers, they should be dictating all
2019 still feels recent enough that they aren't SUPER hungry for another yet - their moment right now is all about the MWC return - but I am intrigued by Petkovic at the helm & VERY excited for a midfield of Bennacer & Aouar. Talk about two total hoopers, they should be dictating all
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
7: Algeria
2019 still feels recent enough that they aren't SUPER hungry for another yet - their moment right now is all about the MWC return - but I am intrigued by Petkovic at the helm & VERY excited for a midfield of Bennacer & Aouar. Talk about two total hoopers, they should be dictating all
2019 still feels recent enough that they aren't SUPER hungry for another yet - their moment right now is all about the MWC return - but I am intrigued by Petkovic at the helm & VERY excited for a midfield of Bennacer & Aouar. Talk about two total hoopers, they should be dictating all
8: Senegal
A top contender that just feels too much of the same team this entire decade for me to put them higher - we know who they are & their 2022 title. Not much new besides the manager.
The high ambition: a 2nd AFCON for their Golden Generation enters them into the greatest ever teams convo
A top contender that just feels too much of the same team this entire decade for me to put them higher - we know who they are & their 2022 title. Not much new besides the manager.
The high ambition: a 2nd AFCON for their Golden Generation enters them into the greatest ever teams convo
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
8: Senegal
A top contender that just feels too much of the same team this entire decade for me to put them higher - we know who they are & their 2022 title. Not much new besides the manager.
The high ambition: a 2nd AFCON for their Golden Generation enters them into the greatest ever teams convo
A top contender that just feels too much of the same team this entire decade for me to put them higher - we know who they are & their 2022 title. Not much new besides the manager.
The high ambition: a 2nd AFCON for their Golden Generation enters them into the greatest ever teams convo
9: Cameroon
A bit of a coaching mess has left them scrambling into this. Factor in the absences of Onana & Zambo, my hopes are low, sadly.
It all hurts the idea of a redemption story after failing to qualify for WC2026. Then again, the 2024 champions rose up to win amidst some chaos.
A bit of a coaching mess has left them scrambling into this. Factor in the absences of Onana & Zambo, my hopes are low, sadly.
It all hurts the idea of a redemption story after failing to qualify for WC2026. Then again, the 2024 champions rose up to win amidst some chaos.
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
9: Cameroon
A bit of a coaching mess has left them scrambling into this. Factor in the absences of Onana & Zambo, my hopes are low, sadly.
It all hurts the idea of a redemption story after failing to qualify for WC2026. Then again, the 2024 champions rose up to win amidst some chaos.
A bit of a coaching mess has left them scrambling into this. Factor in the absences of Onana & Zambo, my hopes are low, sadly.
It all hurts the idea of a redemption story after failing to qualify for WC2026. Then again, the 2024 champions rose up to win amidst some chaos.
10: Cote D'Ivoire
Lifted last AFCON at Home, just confirmed their Mens World Cup return. This month is house money for the Elephants.
My story of interest is Zaha's return to the side after years away. Feels like his audition to play in the World Cup next summer, good story to follow
Lifted last AFCON at Home, just confirmed their Mens World Cup return. This month is house money for the Elephants.
My story of interest is Zaha's return to the side after years away. Feels like his audition to play in the World Cup next summer, good story to follow
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
10: Cote D'Ivoire
Lifted last AFCON at Home, just confirmed their Mens World Cup return. This month is house money for the Elephants.
My story of interest is Zaha's return to the side after years away. Feels like his audition to play in the World Cup next summer, good story to follow
Lifted last AFCON at Home, just confirmed their Mens World Cup return. This month is house money for the Elephants.
My story of interest is Zaha's return to the side after years away. Feels like his audition to play in the World Cup next summer, good story to follow
11: Burkina Faso
Fun darkhorse here. R16 exit in 2024, followed that up with an admirable WCQ campaign that saw them barely miss out on the playoffs after finishing 2nd in their group behind Egypt (while scoring more goals than the Pharoahs!)
Might just be a Tapsoba DotT away from a semifinal
Fun darkhorse here. R16 exit in 2024, followed that up with an admirable WCQ campaign that saw them barely miss out on the playoffs after finishing 2nd in their group behind Egypt (while scoring more goals than the Pharoahs!)
Might just be a Tapsoba DotT away from a semifinal
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
11: Burkina Faso
Fun darkhorse here. R16 exit in 2024, followed that up with an admirable WCQ campaign that saw them barely miss out on the playoffs after finishing 2nd in their group behind Egypt (while scoring more goals than the Pharoahs!)
Might just be a Tapsoba DotT away from a semifinal
Fun darkhorse here. R16 exit in 2024, followed that up with an admirable WCQ campaign that saw them barely miss out on the playoffs after finishing 2nd in their group behind Egypt (while scoring more goals than the Pharoahs!)
Might just be a Tapsoba DotT away from a semifinal
12: Angola
The best they've been in 10 years, Angola are another 2024 quarterfinalist looking to go further. Draws crushed them in WCQs (2-6-2) - but another way to read that is 8 out of 10 unbeaten. That bodes well for tournament survival, especially when 66% of group stage teams get through
The best they've been in 10 years, Angola are another 2024 quarterfinalist looking to go further. Draws crushed them in WCQs (2-6-2) - but another way to read that is 8 out of 10 unbeaten. That bodes well for tournament survival, especially when 66% of group stage teams get through
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
12: Angola
The best they've been in 10 years, Angola are another 2024 quarterfinalist looking to go further. Draws crushed them in WCQs (2-6-2) - but another way to read that is 8 out of 10 unbeaten. That bodes well for tournament survival, especially when 66% of group stage teams get through
The best they've been in 10 years, Angola are another 2024 quarterfinalist looking to go further. Draws crushed them in WCQs (2-6-2) - but another way to read that is 8 out of 10 unbeaten. That bodes well for tournament survival, especially when 66% of group stage teams get through
13: Mali
A good team - 1 goal conceded in 6 AFCONQs - but they feel far from great, falling short of World Cup qualification this year.
Led by a core of multiple Red Bull group players, Mali are peering into the window of the next tier of CAF teams. QFs last MAFCON, aiming higher here
A good team - 1 goal conceded in 6 AFCONQs - but they feel far from great, falling short of World Cup qualification this year.
Led by a core of multiple Red Bull group players, Mali are peering into the window of the next tier of CAF teams. QFs last MAFCON, aiming higher here
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
13: Mali
A good team - 1 goal conceded in 6 AFCONQs - but they feel far from great, falling short of World Cup qualification this year.
Led by a core of multiple Red Bull group players, Mali are peering into the window of the next tier of CAF teams. QFs last MAFCON, aiming higher here
A good team - 1 goal conceded in 6 AFCONQs - but they feel far from great, falling short of World Cup qualification this year.
Led by a core of multiple Red Bull group players, Mali are peering into the window of the next tier of CAF teams. QFs last MAFCON, aiming higher here
..the moment of this just feels smaller for DRC due to the timing. Fresh off an emotional 2025 campaign with one final play-in looming for them in March 2026, i just struggle to see them stringing together a deep run here in between.
Semifinalists last AFCON, it's ok if they don't reach there again
Semifinalists last AFCON, it's ok if they don't reach there again
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
..the moment of this just feels smaller for DRC due to the timing. Fresh off an emotional 2025 campaign with one final play-in looming for them in March 2026, i just struggle to see them stringing together a deep run here in between.
Semifinalists last AFCON, it's ok if they don't reach there again
Semifinalists last AFCON, it's ok if they don't reach there again
14: DR Congo
My first controversially low pick, DRC have so much momentum behind them. A roller coaster of a Fall campaign saw them win the "Final 4" for the final CAF team to stay alive into the March WC playoffs.
Yet I place them in the bottom half of this list because my gut just tells me to...
My first controversially low pick, DRC have so much momentum behind them. A roller coaster of a Fall campaign saw them win the "Final 4" for the final CAF team to stay alive into the March WC playoffs.
Yet I place them in the bottom half of this list because my gut just tells me to...
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
14: DR Congo
My first controversially low pick, DRC have so much momentum behind them. A roller coaster of a Fall campaign saw them win the "Final 4" for the final CAF team to stay alive into the March WC playoffs.
Yet I place them in the bottom half of this list because my gut just tells me to...
My first controversially low pick, DRC have so much momentum behind them. A roller coaster of a Fall campaign saw them win the "Final 4" for the final CAF team to stay alive into the March WC playoffs.
Yet I place them in the bottom half of this list because my gut just tells me to...
15: Benin
Benin nearly beat out Nigeria to the November WC playoffs. 7-4-5 record in the last 2 years with a poor defensive record underlying it & a strong Home advantage that will be missed
Not particularly an exciting side, but eager to make noise at this MAFCON after missing the last finals
Benin nearly beat out Nigeria to the November WC playoffs. 7-4-5 record in the last 2 years with a poor defensive record underlying it & a strong Home advantage that will be missed
Not particularly an exciting side, but eager to make noise at this MAFCON after missing the last finals
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 AM
15: Benin
Benin nearly beat out Nigeria to the November WC playoffs. 7-4-5 record in the last 2 years with a poor defensive record underlying it & a strong Home advantage that will be missed
Not particularly an exciting side, but eager to make noise at this MAFCON after missing the last finals
Benin nearly beat out Nigeria to the November WC playoffs. 7-4-5 record in the last 2 years with a poor defensive record underlying it & a strong Home advantage that will be missed
Not particularly an exciting side, but eager to make noise at this MAFCON after missing the last finals