By Godwill Odilu
The stage is set for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), as the group stage draw has thrown up some mouth-watering matchups.
Defending champions Cote d’Ivoire will face Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique in Group F, setting the scene for some thrilling football action.
The draw, held in a glitzy ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, revealed the six groups for Africa’s biggest football tournament.
The event, which kicks off on December 21, 2025, and runs until January 18, 2026, promises to be a festival of football with plenty of drama, rivalries, and underdog stories.
Hosts Morocco Gets the Party Started
Morocco, the tournament hosts, will open the competition against Comoros in what’s sure to be a lively start. The Atlas Lions, who are also preparing to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, will be looking to make a statement on home soil. They will face Mali and Zambia in Group A, making it a challenging but exciting path.
Nigeria and Tunisia Set for Showdown
Nigeria, who lost to Ivory Coast in the 2023 final, will have a chance to redeem themselves in Group C. They’ll face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in what promises to be a fiercely competitive group. Uganda and Tanzania, who are set to co-host the 2027 AFCON, will also be battling for bragging rights in this regional clash.
Southern African Derby in Group B
Group B is shaping up to be a southern African showdown, with South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe all drawn together. Add Mohamed Salah’s Egypt to the mix, and you’ve got a group that’s guaranteed to deliver fireworks.
Sudan’s Inspiring Journey
One of the most heartwarming stories of the tournament is Sudan’s qualification. Despite being engulfed in a civil war, the team has made it to AFCON 2025 and will face Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea in Group E. Their presence is a testament to the power of sport to unite and inspire.
Senegal and DR Congo Clash in Group D
Senegal, the 2021 AFCON champions, will face DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana in Group D. Led by former coach Aliou Cissé, who masterminded their 2021 triumph, the Teranga Lions will be aiming to reclaim their crown.
Road to the Knockouts
The 24 teams have been split into six groups, with the top two from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage. With so much talent on display, every match will count.
Morocco’s Big Plans
Morocco isn’t just hosting AFCON 2025 – they’re also preparing for the future. The country is set to host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) this year and is building a massive 115,000-seater stadium in Casablanca by 2027, with hopes of hosting the 2030 World Cup final.
With so many storylines to follow – from defending champions Cote d’Ivoire to Sudan’s inspiring journey, AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be a tournament for the ages. Mark your calendars, because African football is about to take center stage!
