The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draw in Rabat’s Mohammed V National Theater in Rabat on Monday has resulted in some exciting matchups for the tournament’s group stages.
In Group A, host nation Morocco will likely face little difficulty reaching Round 16 despite strong competition from Mali, Comoros, and Zambia, all of which have showcased strong performances in past tournaments.
However, the outcomes of football tournaments are notoriously difficult to predict. Such was the case when Zambia won the 2012 AFCON championship despite the team’s underdog status.
Similarly, Mali demonstrated exceptional play in the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, topping their group and reaching the quarterfinals before being eliminated by the host nation that ended up winning the cup.
Morocco consistently dominated its past matches against Mali, winning its last four meetings, including a dramatic 6-0 victory during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Ranked 14th globally, Morocco will open its campaign on December 21 against Comoros (ranked 103rd). Analysts believe that the Atlas Lions will attempt to secure a dominating victory in their first match to gain momentum for the following matches.
In Group F, a blockbuster clash awaits the 2023 AFCON champions, Côte d’Ivoire’s Elephants, who will face Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions.
Both teams will have another go at proving who is the best following their intense face-off in the 2015 tournament, where Côte d’Ivoire emerged victorious and ultimately won the title. Côte d’Ivoire, fresh off their third AFCON triumph in February 2024, will face a determined Cameroon, boasting five previous titles, the first of which they claimed in Abidjan in 1984 with Roger Milla.
Egypt, the record seven-time AFCON champions, find themselves in a competitive Group E alongside South Africa, who finished third in 2023; Angola, who reached the quarterfinals without a single loss in the qualifiers; and Zimbabwe.
Liverpool F.C. star Mohamed Salah will lead Egypt through this challenging group and end their 15-year trophy drought since their last victory in 2010.
In Group D, Nigeria, runners-up in the 2024 edition after a narrow 2-1 loss to Côte d’Ivoire, will take on Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Among the standout matches following the draw are Nigeria versus Tunisia and Senegal versus DR Congo, with fans eagerly anticipating these encounters.
An impressive lineup of football stars and celebrities participated in the draw ceremony, including Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, Aliou Cissé, and Joseph Yobo, adding a touch of history and prestige to the event.
The group stage promises to deliver intense competition as Africa’s finest teams vie for the coveted AFCON title.