The stage is set for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the draw revealing interesting matchups and storylines. Hosts Morocco, alongside defending champions Ivory Coast, will look to headline a tournament promising fierce rivalries as well as historic clashes.
In a ceremony held in Rabat, Morocco was drawn into Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. As top seeds, the Atlas Lions, who last lifted the trophy back in 1976, will open the tournament against Comoros on December 21. With a squad bolstered by stars who shone at the 2022 World Cup, Morocco will look to leverage home advantage to make a deep run.
Group B rekindles an iconic rivalry between Egypt and South Africa. The Pharaohs, seven-time champions and perennial contenders, will likely rely heavily on Mohamed Salah and new star Omar Marmoush to navigate a group that also includes Angola and Zimbabwe. Their clash with South Africa evokes memories of past AFCON battles, dating back to South Africa’s triumph in 1996.
Elsewhere, Nigeria’s Super Eagles begin their quest for a first AFCON title since 2013 in Group C, where they face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Senegal, the 2021 champions, lead Group D and will take on DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana, who are making just their second AFCON appearance.
Group E appears favorable for Algeria who were drawn alongside Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan. After early exits in the last two tournaments, the Fennecs will be eager to redeem themselves on Africa’s biggest stage.
Meanwhile, reigning champions Ivory Coast find themselves in Group F alongside five-time winners Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. The Elephants, who claimed their third title on home soil in 2024, kick off their defense against Mozambique on December 24. The group promises fireworks, particularly when Ivory Coast meets Cameroon in what could be one of the tournament’s standout matches.
The 24-team tournament culminates on January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
