The stage is set for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as the group stage draw has been concluded. The tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will feature 24 of Africa’s best teams competing for the prestigious title.
The 24 teams have been divided into six groups of four, with each group promising exciting football action. Host nation Morocco will kick off the tournament on December 21, 2025, with an opening match against Comoros in Rabat.
AFCON 2025 Group Stage Draw
Here is the full list of groups for the tournament:
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| A | Morocco (hosts), Mali, Zambia, Comoros |
| B | Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe |
| C | Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana |
| D | Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania, Uganda |
| E | Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan |
| F | Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique |
Nigeria’s Group D Campaign
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been drawn into Group D, where they will face tough opposition from Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
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- Tunisia: A formidable opponent, known for their disciplined style of play.
- Tanzania: Emerging as a competitive side with recent improvements in their squad.
- Uganda: A team that has shown consistency and grit in past tournaments.
The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, will aim to progress beyond the group stage and contend for the title under the guidance of their head coach.
Tournament Format
The 2025 AFCON will follow the traditional format:
- The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
- Four of the best third-placed teams across all groups will also advance to the knockout stages.
This setup ensures a highly competitive group stage, as every match counts toward qualification.
Key Matches to Watch
The tournament offers several marquee matchups in the group stage:
- Group B: Egypt vs. South Africa is expected to be a thrilling encounter between two African football giants.
- Group F: Ivory Coast, the defending champions, will face a fierce challenge from Cameroon in a high-stakes clash.
- Group A: Hosts Morocco will look to assert dominance in their opener against Comoros.
The Road to the Final
The tournament will culminate in the final on January 18, 2026, in Morocco’s capital, Rabat. With Africa’s top talents, including Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria), and Sadio Mane (Senegal), the competition is expected to deliver unforgettable moments.
Expectations for Nigeria
With a rich history in the tournament, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will aim to bring home their fourth AFCON title. Fans are optimistic about their chances, but they must first navigate a challenging group stage.
- Has Zambia ever won Afcon? Yes, Zambia won the Africa Cup of Nations once, in 2012.
- Who is hosting the Afcon 2025? Morocco is hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
- Where is Afcon 2026 held? The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Ivory Coast.
- Which group is Zambia in Afcon 2025? Zambia is in Group A of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, along with Morocco (hosts), Mali, and Comoros.
- 2025 Africa Cup of Nations: This refers to the upcoming tournament, officially known as the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. It will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The 2025 AFCON promises to be a spectacular showcase of African football, uniting fans across the continent. Let the countdown begin to what is sure to be a memorable tournament!
