Morocco gears up to host AFCON 2025: Groups drawn, excitement builds

The stage is set for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. The draw, conducted on January 27 in Rabat, revealed the group stage matchups for the 24 qualified teams, promising a thrilling tournament for football fans across the continent.

Morocco, the host nation, will open the tournament against Comoros at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, aiming to capitalize on home advantage.

 The tournament spans six cities over four weeks, showcasing Africa’s best football talent and intense national rivalries.

Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, record seven-time winners Egypt, and powerhouses like Senegal and Nigeria headline the competition, with all eyes on which nation will claim the ultimate prize.

The tournament’s format includes six groups of four teams each, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The best four third-placed teams will also secure spots in the round of 16.

Group A sees hosts Morocco alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros, while Group B features Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.

Reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire are drawn into Group F, where they face Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique.

As the countdown begins, anticipation builds for a tournament set to crown Africa’s football kings in a spectacle of skill, passion, and unity.