South Africa will battle Mohamed Salah-led Egypt, while Nigeria, inspired by Ademola Lookman, faces Tunisia following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage draw held in Rabat on Monday.
The tournament kicks off on December 21 with hosts Morocco taking on Comoros, who shocked several big names to qualify. Defending champions Ivory Coast will meet five-time winners Cameroon in one of the standout fixtures.
In Group A, Morocco aims to join recent hosts who won the trophy, backed by Europe-based stars like Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi. They are grouped with Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.
Group B sees record seven-time champions Egypt, led by Salah, taking on South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Salah, a Liverpool star, is still in search of his first AFCON title, having finished runner-up in 2017 and 2022.
Nigeria, runners-up in 2024, headline Group C, boasting star forwards Lookman and Victor Osimhen. They face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Tunisia will be making a record 17th consecutive AFCON appearance.
Group D features a clash between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with Benin and Botswana.
In Group E, Algeria takes on Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan, a nation battling ongoing civil unrest.
Group F includes Ivory Coast, Cameroonian powerhouse Amad Diallo, Gabon, and Mozambique. Ivory Coast, the only two-time champions since 2008, will aim to defend their title.
AFCON 2025 Dates
- Group Stage: December 21-31 (excluding December 25)
- Last 16: January 3-6, 2026
- Quarter-finals: January 9-10
- Semi-finals: January 14
- Third Place: January 17
- Final: January 18
CAF President Patrick Motsepe expressed optimism, calling it “the most successful AFCON yet” as Morocco prepares to host the tournament, part of its build-up to co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Group Breakdown
Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
