The stage is set for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The draw has revealed six competitive groups, promising breath taking encounters and an opportunity for teams to showcase their football heritage. Below is a detailed look at the groups, favorites, and some historical highlights of the teams.
Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Morocco: As the host nation, Morocco is the clear favorite in this group. They won the AFCON in 1976 and have consistently been among Africa’s top teams, boosted by their recent strong performances on the global stage, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Mali: Known for their youth talent, Mali reached the AFCON final in 1972. They are seen as a team capable of upsetting the group.
Zambia: Zambia’s most memorable moment came in 2012 when they won the AFCON, honoring players who tragically died in a plane crash in 1993. Their resilient football style makes them contenders.
Comoros: Making only their second AFCON appearance, Comoros will be looking to cause an upset and prove they belong among Africa’s elite.
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Egypt: The Pharaohs are AFCON’s most successful team, with seven titles. Their dominance, particularly from 2006 to 2010, when they won three consecutive trophies, makes them favorites to top this group.
South Africa: Champions in 1996 as hosts, South Africa has struggled in recent years but remains a strong contender due to their solid footballing history.
Angola: Angola has reached the quarterfinals twice (2008, 2010) and will aim to challenge the group favorites.
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe has yet to advance past the group stage in AFCON history. They will hope to achieve a first in Morocco.
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Nigeria: The Super Eagles are three-time champions (1980, 1994, 2013) and have consistently produced world-class players. They are the favorites in this group.
Tunisia: Winners in 2004, Tunisia is known for their tactical discipline and consistent qualification for international tournaments.
Uganda: Uganda’s best AFCON performance was in 1978, when they reached the final. They’ll aim to replicate that success.
Tanzania: A team still building its football legacy, Tanzania will look to leave a mark after their last AFCON appearance in 2019.
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Senegal: The Lions of Teranga are the defending champions (2021) and boast a talented squad led by Sadio Mané. They are strong contenders for the title again.
DR Congo: Winners in 1968 and 1974 (as Zaire), DR Congo has a rich AFCON history and the capability to go far in the tournament.
Benin: Benin reached the quarterfinals in 2019 and will aim to build on that success.
Botswana: Botswana, making only their second AFCON appearance, will look to gain valuable experience on this big stage.
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Algeria: The 2019 champions are among the tournament favorites, with a strong squad and a history of competitive performances.
Burkina Faso: Runners-up in 2013 and semifinalists in 2017, Burkina Faso has been one of Africa’s most consistent teams in recent years.
Equatorial Guinea: Semifinalists in 2015 as hosts, they have a knack for upsetting bigger teams.
Sudan: Sudan is one of AFCON’s founding teams and won the tournament in 1970. However, they have struggled to replicate that success.
Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Ivory Coast: Champions in 1992 and 2015, Ivory Coast has a strong squad and is the favorite in this competitive group.
Cameroon: With five titles (the second most in AFCON history), Cameroon is always a force to be reckoned with. Their last win came in 2017.
Gabon: Gabon, led by stars like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, has had some strong performances but has yet to win a title.
Mozambique: Mozambique is one of the less experienced teams in AFCON but will aim to surprise their opponents in this tough group.
The 2025 AFCON promises to be a thrilling tournament, with heavyweights like Senegal, Egypt, and Nigeria aiming to assert their dominance. Host nation Morocco will be determined to use home advantage to secure their second AFCON title, while teams like Burkina Faso and Mali hope to upset the traditional giants.
This tournament will not only showcase Africa’s footballing talent but also celebrate the rich history of a competition that has grown in prestige over the years. Fans across the continent and beyond eagerly await what promises to be a spectacular display of skill, passion, and unity in African football.
