AFCON 2025: The Stage is Set for Africa's Biggest Sporting showpiece

Nairobi, 

Tuesday, 28 January, 2025 

McCreadie Andias 

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling editions yet, as 24 teams prepare to battle for continental glory in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. The group stage draw, held at a dazzling ceremony in Rabat, revealed intriguing matchups, regional rivalries, and the promise of high-stakes drama.

The Draw in Full

Defending champions Ivory Coast headline Group F, where they face a stern test against Cameroon, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's Gabon, and Mozambique. The Elephants will aim to defend their crown after their dramatic 2023 final victory over Nigeria.

Hosts Morocco, favorites to win their second title, open the tournament against Comoros in Group A, which also includes Mali and Zambia. Morocco’s robust preparations as 2030 FIFA World Cup co-hosts position them as a formidable force on home soil.

In Group C, Nigeria will look for redemption after their heartbreak in 2023. They will contend with Tunisia and the East African co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, Uganda and Tanzania. Group B brings a southern African derby as South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe clash, alongside Mohamed Salah’s Egypt.

Senegal, led by their coach Pape Thiaw, headline Group D with DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Meanwhile, Algeria face Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea in Group E. Despite ongoing civil strife, Sudan’s qualification underlines their resilience.

Venues and Infrastructure

Morocco has stepped up as hosts after Guinea lost the rights due to infrastructural challenges. Matches will be spread across nine stadiums in six cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier. The final will take place at Rabat’s Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, cementing the city as the tournament’s heart.

Morocco’s ambition extends beyond AFCON. The nation is also preparing to host the Women’s AFCON in 2025 and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. A new 115,000-seater stadium near Casablanca, set to be completed by 2027, could host the World Cup final.

What to Expect: Favorites and Dark Horses

Morocco’s home advantage and rich squad depth make them early favorites, but they will face stiff competition from powerhouses like Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Nigeria. Egypt, with Mohamed Salah leading the charge, could also be a force to reckon with.

Cameroon, Algeria, and Tunisia, each with storied AFCON histories, remain strong contenders. Meanwhile, teams like Mali and Burkina Faso could emerge as dark horses, aiming to upset the established order.

The tournament’s structure ensures plenty of drama, with the top two teams from each group and the best four third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage. With AFCON’s unpredictable nature, every group match will carry weight as teams battle for survival.

AFCON 2025 isn’t just about football—it’s a testament to African resilience and ambition. Morocco’s state-of-the-art facilities and organizational prowess will set a benchmark for future tournaments, reflecting the continent’s readiness to host global events.

As Africa’s biggest sporting event draws nearer, fans across the continent and beyond eagerly await the spectacle. From Rabat to Tangier, the passion, pride, and unpredictability of African football are set to take center stage once again. Let the countdown begin!