The draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been finalized, revealing the groups for the upcoming tournament. Host nation Morocco has been placed in Group A, where they will face off against Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. The prestigious men’s football competition will feature 24 nations, including defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, record winners Egypt, and powerhouse teams like Nigeria and Senegal.
Egypt, the seven-time AFCON winners, have been grouped in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Star players Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush are expected to lead Egypt’s charge for another title. Nigeria, who last won the tournament in 2013, will compete in Group C against Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Senegal, the 2021 champions, will battle it out in Group D against DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan make up Group E, while Group F will see defending champions Côte d’Ivoire facing off against Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique.
The tournament is set to kick off on December 21, with Morocco taking on Comoros in the opening match. The final will be held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18, 2026.
The group pairings for the tournament are as follows:
– Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
– Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
– Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
– Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
– Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
– Group F: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
With Ghana missing out on the tournament for the first time in 21 years, Ghanaians will be keeping an eye on countryman Kwesi Appiah, who will be leading Sudan in the competition. Sudan secured their spot in the tournament by earning four points against Ghana, with Angola finishing at the top of their qualifying group.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the AFCON 2025, as some of the best teams in Africa battle it out for continental glory. Who will emerge victorious and lift the coveted trophy? Only time will tell as the tournament unfolds from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
