AFCON 2025: Group Stage Draw, Fixtures, and Tournament Overview

 




The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is set to captivate football enthusiasts across the continent and beyond. Scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco, this prestigious tournament will bring together 24 of Africa's best national teams. As fans eagerly await the matches, AFCON 2025 promises to deliver thrilling encounters, historic rivalries, and remarkable football moments.

How It All Began: The Road to AFCON 2025

The journey to AFCON 2025 commenced with an intense qualification campaign involving 48 teams vying for a spot in the tournament. The qualifiers, held over several months, witnessed incredible drama, last-minute goals, and the rise of underdog teams.

Qualification Highlights:

(i)Nigeria's Super Eagles stormed through their group with an unbeaten record, demonstrating their attacking prowess.

(ii) Defending champions Ivory Coast showcased their dominance, finishing atop their group comfortably.

(iii) Comoros made history by securing a spot in the tournament, a testament to their growing presence in African football.

(iv) Several nail-biting matches, such as Tanzania’s decisive victory over Uganda, underscored the unpredictability of African football.

These qualifiers set the stage for AFCON 2025, building anticipation for the group stage draw and the unfolding drama.

Group Stage Draw: A Quick Overview



The group stage draw, conducted on January 27, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, divided the 24 participating teams into six groups. Here is the draw in a tabular format for clarity:

GroupTeams
AMorocco (hosts), Mali, Zambia, Comoros
BEgypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
CNigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
DSenegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
EAlgeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
FIvory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

This arrangement guarantees exciting matchups as teams compete for a place in the knockout stages.

Key Details About AFCON 2025

Dates and Venues

AFCON 2025 will be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Matches will be hosted in six Moroccan cities, showcasing the nation’s rich football culture and hospitality.

Stadiums

Morocco has prepared world-class facilities to host the games. Key stadiums include:

(1) Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat): The venue for the opening match and the final, with a capacity of 53,000.

(2) Stade de Marrakech (Marrakesh): Known for its vibrant atmosphere.

(3) Stade Mohamed V (Casablanca): One of Morocco’s iconic football grounds.

(4) Grand Stade de Tanger (Tangier): A modern stadium that has hosted international tournaments.

(5) Stade d’Agadir (Agadir): A picturesque venue located along Morocco’s coastline.

(6) Stade de Fès (Fes): A stadium that blends tradition and modernity.

Tourism Potential

Hosting AFCON 2025 presents Morocco with an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage and tourist attractions. Fans traveling to Morocco can explore:

(i)The bustling souks and historic medinas of Marrakech and Fes.

(ii) The majestic Atlas Mountains are perfect for trekking and sightseeing.

(iii) The golden beaches of Agadir and Essaouira.

(iv) Iconic landmarks such as the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Teams to Watch




As the tournament approaches, several teams stand out as favorites and dark horses:

  1. Morocco: As hosts, Morocco will aim to leverage home advantage. The Atlas Lions boast a blend of experienced players and young talent.
  2. Ivory Coast: The defending champions have a formidable squad led by seasoned stars and rising talents.
  3. Senegal: With their recent successes in international football, Senegal’s Lions of Teranga are a strong contender.
  4. Nigeria: Known for their attacking flair, the Super Eagles are perennial favorites.
  5. Egypt: The Pharaohs, led by their talismanic forward Mohamed Salah, will aim to reclaim African glory.
  6. Comoros: As one of the tournament’s underdogs, Comoros’ journey will be closely watched.

Tournament Format

The competition will feature:

(i) Group Stage: Each team will play three matches. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams will progress to the Round of 16.

(ii) Knockout Stages: This includes the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand finale.

Conclusion

AFCON 2025 is more than just a football tournament; it celebrates Africa’s rich football culture and passion. From the historic venues in Morocco to the thrilling matchups on the pitch, the tournament promises unforgettable moments for fans. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament draws closer!

****NextGen Sports Team

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