By Victor Kanayo
The 24 countries set to participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) now know their group opponents.
In the draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), last edition’s runners-up, Nigeria, are in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The 2024 third-place team, South Africa, are in Group B and will face Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
Defending champions Senegal are placed in Group D with DR Congo, Benin Republic, and Botswana.
The Desert Foxes of Algeria find themselves in a challenging Group E alongside Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
The opening match of the tournament will see hosts Morocco take on Comoros on 21 December 2025. The competition will run until 18 January 2026, according to organisers.
Qualifier Process
All but two of the 52 CAF member nations participated in the qualifying series.
Following the preliminary round, 48 teams were divided into 12 groups of four, playing home and away over six matches. The top two teams from each group secured qualification.
The tournament will take place across six cities over four weeks, but only one nation will emerge as the kings of African football.
Full Group Draw
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: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
