The stage is set for the highly anticipated 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025. Following the draw on January 27th, this year’s tournament promises to be an exhilarating showcase of African football, featuring 24 teams competing for continental supremacy.
Here’s a breakdown of the six groups:
Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, and Comoros
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan
Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique
Key Showdowns
Egypt vs. South Africa: A Quest for Revenge
South Africa’s impressive run in the last AFCON, where they reached the semi-finals, surprised many. Their win over continental giants Morocco in the Round of 16 stage was even more astonishing. The Bafana Bafana ultimately finished fourth in the AFCON 2023 tournament, leaving many football pundits stunned.
This outcome shouldn’t have come as a surprise to football enthusiasts, given South Africa’s previous upset over Egypt, the most successful African country, in the AFCON 2019 tournament. As hosts, Egypt sought to become the first country to host and win the tournament since their previous victory in 2006. However, South Africa dealt Egypt a humiliating defeat, eliminating them from the tournament.
The Pharaohs will be seeking revenge when they face the Bafana Bafana in the group stage of the 2025 AFCON.
Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon: A Classic Derby
The match between Ivory Coast and Cameroon promises to be one of the most highly anticipated clashes. This classic Francophone-West African derby features two teams with rich histories and pedigrees in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Both countries have produced iconic African footballers, including Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, Samuel Eto’o, and Roger Milla. The game has consistently delivered thrilling moments, thanks to the teams’ impressive credentials.
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae has described this match as a “war.” Both teams boast additional talented players. Cameroon’s squad includes Carlos Baleba, Christopher Wooh, and Bryan Mbeumo, who complement experienced players like Vincent Aboubakar, André Onana, and Frank Zambo-Anguissa.
The Ivory Coast has added youthful talents like Amad Diallo, Simon Adingra, Karim Konaté, and Oumar Diakité to their roster, joining experienced players like Serge Aurier, Eric Bailly, Franck Kessié, and Sébastien Haller.
This game holds extra significance, given Cameroon’s victory over Ivory Coast in the World Cup Qualifying Group Phase for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Cameroon went on to reach the play-off stage, where they defeated Algeria and qualified for the World Cup.
Ivory Coast will also be defending their AFCON title, which they won in 2024.
Nigeria vs. Tunisia: Unfinished Business
Nigeria dominated the AFCON 2021 tournament in Cameroon, winning all three group stage games. Pundits considered them strong favorites to win their fourth AFCON title.
However, Tunisia, who won only one game and lost two in the group stage, managed to qualify for the Round of 16 as the best third-placed team. They then stunned Nigeria, eliminating them from the tournament.
The 2025 AFCON presents Nigeria with an opportunity to exact revenge for their “humiliation,” especially given their current roster, which boasts an impressive array of talent.
Algeria vs. Equatorial Guinea: A Chance for Redemption
Algeria’s quest for back-to-back AFCON titles was cut short in 2021. After winning their second AFCON title in 2019, they aimed to replicate Egypt’s feat of winning consecutive AFCON trophies between 2006 and 2010. However, their campaign was derailed when they were eliminated from the group stage after drawing goalless with Sierra Leone, losing 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea, and then losing 3-1 to Ivory Coast.
Morocco vs. Mali: A Clash of Titans
Morocco, the host nation, will face off against Mali in Group A. As the host nation, Morocco will face immense pressure from their passionate football fans, particularly after their impressive performance at the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first African country to reach the semi-finals.
Despite their success on the world stage, Morocco has struggled to replicate that form on the African stage. Mali, on the other hand, boasts one of the youngest teams in Africa, with talented players like Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig), Hamari Traoré (Real Sociedad), and Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur).
Under new manager Tom Saintfiet, Mali is building on the foundation laid by former coach Eric Chelle, now the Super Eagles coach. This match is likely to be the biggest test of Morocco’s group stage campaign, and it promises to be an electrifying encounter.
