Africa Cup Of Nations 2025 First Matchday Full Breakdown And What To Expect

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is one of the most anticipated football tournaments on the continent, and it is being hosted by Morocco. The competition officially runs from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 and brings together the best national teams in Africa. Morocco welcomes the tournament across nine modern stadiums located in major cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fez and Tangier. The opening matchday already delivered excitement, goals, strong performances and early statements from the teams aiming to win the trophy.

The tournament follows a competitive and well known format. There are 24 teams divided into six groups from Group A to Group F, with four teams in each group. Every team plays three matches in the group stage. After this stage, the top two teams from each group qualify automatically for the Round of 16. In addition, the four best third placed teams across all groups also advance, making every match extremely important. This format ensures drama, tension and surprises throughout the group stage.

Groups At A Glance

Group A

1. Morocco
2. Mali
3. Zambia
4. Comoros

Group B

1. Egypt
2. South Africa
3. Angola
4. Zimbabwe

Group C

1. Nigeria
2. Tunisia
3. Uganda
4. Tanzania

Group D

1. Senegal
2. DR Congo
3. Benin
4. Botswana

Group E

1. Algeria
2. Burkina Faso
3. Equatorial Guinea
4. Sudan

Group F

1. Ivory Coast
2. Cameroon
3. Gabon
4. Mozambique

The first matchday gave fans a clear picture of which teams are ready to compete and which sides must improve quickly to avoid early elimination.

Group A Matchday One Review

Morocco opened the tournament with confidence and control as the host nation. They defeated Comoros with a professional performance that showed maturity and ambition. Playing at home gave Morocco extra energy, and they dominated key moments of the game. In the second match, Mali and Zambia played a very balanced encounter where both teams showed discipline and determination.

Morocco 2-0 Comoros
Mali 1-1 Zambia

Standings after Matchday One in Group A

1. Morocco 3pts
2. Mali 1pt
3. Zambia 1pt
4. Comoros 0pts

Morocco’s early victory puts pressure on the other teams, as every remaining match now becomes crucial for qualification.

Group B Matchday One Review

Group B started with two entertaining games. South Africa showed strong character and tactical discipline to defeat Angola. Egypt also began their campaign positively with a win over Zimbabwe, relying on experience and quality to secure the points.

South Africa 2-1 Angola
Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe

Standings after Matchday One in Group B

1. Egypt 3pts
2. South Africa 3pts
3. Angola 0pts
4. Zimbabwe 0pts

Egypt and South Africa immediately look like the strongest teams in the group, but the battle is far from over.

Group C Matchday One Review

Group C delivered goals and intensity. Senegal, the defending champions, showed their strength with a dominant performance. Nigeria also impressed with an attacking display, while Tunisia added to the excitement with a convincing win.

Senegal 3-0 Botswana
Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania
Tunisia 3-1 Uganda

Standings after Matchday One in Group C

1. Senegal 3pts
2. Nigeria 3pts
3. Tunisia 3pts
4. Uganda 0pts

This group is already very tight, and goal difference could become a deciding factor later.

Group D Matchday One Review

Group D featured tactical football and narrow margins. DR Congo secured an important win, while Senegal also collected maximum points in their opening game.

DR Congo 1-0 Benin

Standings after Matchday One in Group D

1. Senegal 3pts
2. DR Congo 3pts
3. Benin 0pts
4. Botswana 0pts

With two strong teams on equal points, this group remains wide open.

Group E Matchday One Review

Algeria made a powerful statement with a dominant performance, while Burkina Faso claimed an important victory in a competitive match.

Burkina Faso 2-1 Equatorial Guinea
Algeria 3-0 Sudan

Standings after Matchday One in Group E

1. Algeria 3pts
2. Burkina Faso 3pts
3. Equatorial Guinea 0pts
4. Sudan 0pts

Matchday two will play a major role in deciding the direction of this group.

Group F Matchday One Review

Group F saw two tight matches decided by fine margins. Ivory Coast and Cameroon both showed experience and defensive strength to secure wins.

Ivory Coast 1-0 Mozambique
Cameroon 1-0 Gabon

Standings after Matchday One in Group F

1. Cameroon 3pts
2. Ivory Coast 3pts
3. Gabon 0pts
4. Mozambique 0pts

Goal difference could be crucial as the group progresses.

The first matchday confirmed how important a strong start is at AFCON. Teams such as Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coast used their experience to gain early momentum. Hosts Morocco look confident and well organised, while traditional giants like Egypt and Senegal once again showed their pedigree.

At the same time, several groups remain extremely competitive, meaning one result can quickly change the standings. As Matchday Two and the rest of the group stage unfold, teams will need focus, tactical discipline and mental strength. AFCON 2025 has started strongly, and the coming matches promise even more drama, surprises and unforgettable moments.