%20(1).png)
The draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was conducted on January 27,
2025, in Rabat, Morocco, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament scheduled
from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This 35th edition of AFCON marks
Morocco's second time hosting the event, the first being in 1988. The tournament
will feature 24 teams competing across six Moroccan cities: Agadir, Casablanca,
Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Tangier.
Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
As hosts, Morocco leads Group A and will inaugurate the tournament against the
Comoros Islands on December 21 in Rabat. The Atlas Lions, champions in 1976, aim
to capitalize on home advantage to secure their second AFCON title. Joining them
are Mali, runners-up in 1972, and Zambia, the 2012 champions. Comoros, making
their second AFCON appearance after reaching the Round of 16 in 2021, complete
the group.
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Group B rekindles a historic rivalry between Egypt and South Africa. Egypt, the
most successful nation in AFCON history with seven titles, faces South Africa,
champions in 1996. Angola, quarter-finalists in 2008, 2010, and 2023, and
Zimbabwe, making their sixth appearance, round out the group.
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions (1980, 1994, 2013), headlines Group C. They
are joined by Tunisia, the 2004 champions, Uganda, runners-up in 1978, and
Tanzania, making their fourth appearance. This group promises competitive
fixtures as teams vie for advancement.
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Senegal, the 2021 champions, leads Group D. They face DR Congo, two-time winners
(1968, 1974), Benin, quarter-finalists in 2019, and Botswana, making their second
appearance after debuting in 2012. Senegal aims to reaffirm their status as a
continental powerhouse.
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Algeria, champions in 1990 and 2019, appears to have a favorable draw in Group E.
They are grouped with Burkina Faso, runners-up in 2013, Equatorial Guinea,
fourth-place finishers in 2015, and Sudan, champions in 1970. Algeria seeks to
improve upon its recent group stage exits.
Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Defending champions Ivory Coast begin their title defense in Group F, which is
considered the "Group of Death." They are joined by five-time champions
Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. Ivory Coast will commence their campaign
against Mozambique on December 24 in Marrakesh.
Tournament Format
The tournament features 24 teams divided into six groups of four. The top two
teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance
to the Round of 16. This format ensures a competitive environment, with numerous
opportunities for teams to progress.
Venues
Matches will be held across six cities in Morocco:
Agadir: Adrar Stadium (Capacity: 41,144)
Casablanca: Mohammed V Stadium (Capacity: 45,891)
Fez: Fez Stadium (Capacity: 35,468)
Marrakesh: Marrakesh Stadium (Capacity: 41,245)
Rabat: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Capacity: 69,500)
Tangier: Ibn Batouta Stadium (Capacity: 75,600)
These venues are equipped with modern facilities to host the continent's premier
football event.
Anticipated Highlights
The draw has set up several intriguing matchups:
Morocco vs. Mali: A clash between the hosts and a strong Malian side.
Egypt vs. South Africa: A renewal of a historic AFCON rivalry.
Nigeria vs. Tunisia: A meeting of former champions with rich football histories.
Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon: A heavyweight battle in Group F.
These fixtures are expected to draw significant attention from fans and analysts
alike.
The 2025 AFCON draw has set the stage for a captivating tournament, with a blend
of historic rivalries and fresh challenges. As teams prepare for the competition,
fans across Africa and beyond eagerly anticipate a showcase of the continent's
footballing talent in Morocco.
