Makundi ya AFCON 2025 Morocco (AFCON 2025 Groups): Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is officially underway in Morocco, marking the return of Africa’s biggest football competition to the North African nation for the first time since 1988.
Running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the 35th edition features 24 teams battling for continental glory. Defending champions Ivory Coast will aim to retain their crown, while hosts Morocco enter the tournament as strong favorites thanks to their home advantage and world-class squad.
Makundi ya AFCON 2025 Morocco (AFCON 2025 Groups)
The AFCON 2025 group stage draw, held in Rabat on January 27, 2025, produced several exciting matchups that have set the stage for a thrilling tournament.
Fans searching for makundi ya AFCON 2025, AFCON 2025 groups, and Africa Cup of Nations 2025 draw are eager to see how the powerhouses and rising teams will fare.
AFCON 2025 Group Stage Overview
The 24 qualified nations are divided into six groups of four. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top two from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 16.
Here are the complete AFCON 2025 groups:
Group A: Morocco (hosts), 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 (defending champions), Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Group-by-Group Analysis and Predictions
Group A: The Hosts’ Pool
Morocco headline this group, boosted by their passionate fans and a talented squad featuring stars like Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi. Mali bring midfield strength and physicality, while Zambia—the 2012 champions—hope for a resurgence led by Patson Daka. Comoros could surprise after an impressive qualifying campaign.
Key Match: Morocco vs Mali
Group B: Battle of the Heavyweights
Egypt, the record seven-time AFCON champions, will rely on Mohamed Salah to lead their title charge. They face strong competition from South Africa, the 1996 champions, and Angola, a solid and organized side. Zimbabwe return as the unpredictable element in this Southern African-heavy group.
Key Match: Egypt vs South Africa
Group C: West vs East Africa Clash
A fascinating mix of football cultures — three-time champions Nigeria take on Tunisia in a battle of tactical strength and experience. Uganda and Tanzania, co-hosts of AFCON 2027, represent East Africa and could provide plenty of excitement with their young, hungry squads.
Key Match: Nigeria vs Tunisia
Group D: Lions vs Leopards
Senegal, the reigning 2021 AFCON winners and 2023 runners-up, will look to dominate behind stars like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly. DR Congo bring attacking flair and depth, while Benin and debutants Botswana will fight hard to make history.
Key Match: Senegal vs DR Congo
Group E: The Desert Warriors’ Challenge
Algeria, two-time champions, headline this competitive group. They’ll face Burkina Faso, known for their fast-paced attack, Equatorial Guinea, a consistent tournament performer, and Sudan, who bring determination despite domestic challenges.
Key Match: Algeria vs Burkina Faso
Group F: The Group of Death
The toughest group of all — defending champions Ivory Coast meet five-time winners Cameroon in a blockbuster showdown. Gabon, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Mozambique complete a fiercely competitive lineup.
Key Match: Ivory Coast vs Cameroon
Why AFCON 2025 in Morocco Is a Must-Watch Tournament
AFCON 2025 will be hosted across six cities — Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fez, and Tangier — all boasting world-class stadiums and passionate fans.
The winter schedule avoids extreme heat and aligns better with the global football calendar, ensuring top players are available. While European clubs may feel the impact, it guarantees millions of viewers around the world.
Tournament Favorites:
🇲🇦 Morocco – Home advantage and elite squad
🇸🇳 Senegal – Defending consistency
🇪🇬 Egypt – Most successful AFCON nation
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast – Defending champions
Dark Horses: DR Congo and Mali – both capable of springing major upsets.
The AFCON 2025 Morocco edition promises high-quality football, emotional storylines, and unforgettable moments.
Stay tuned for live scores, match highlights, predictions, and post-match analysis as the battle for African glory unfolds.
Which AFCON 2025 group excites you the most? And who do you think will lift the trophy on January 18, 2026?
Share your predictions in the comments below!