The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 draw took place at Rabat's Mohammed V National Theatre. The event drew dignitaries from entertainment, politics, and football, including former players and coaches from all 24 competing nations.
Morocco, the host nation, delivered an impressive ceremony that previewed the tournament's grandeur, which is planned for December 2025 and January 2026.
Group A pairs host Morocco with Mali, Comoros, and Zambia. The Atlas Lions, Africa's top-ranked team, aim to add to their sole AFCON title from 1976. Head coach Walid Regragui emphasized their competitive spirit despite their welcoming nature. Mali brings a talented squad under Tom Saintfiet, featuring stars like Bissouma and El Bilal Toure. Zambia, led by Avram Grant, hopes to recapture past glory with Leicester City's Patson Daka. Comoros enters their second AFCON after their memorable 2021 debut.
Group B features Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. The Pharaohs seek redemption after their 2019 elimination, powered by Mohammed Salah and Omar Marmoush. South Africa, recent bronze medalists, builds momentum under Hugo Broos. Angola impressed in 2024, notably defeating Ghana in Kumasi. Zimbabwe relies on Prince Dube and Jordan Zemura for success.
Group C unites Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Super Eagles showcase attacking prowess through Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman under coach Eric Chelle. Tunisia maintains its consistent presence, drawing strength from domestic league talents. Tanzania brings players from powerhouses Young Africans and Simba, Uganda competes under Romanian tactician Paul Put.
Group D comprises Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Senegal enters as favorites with new coach Thiaw Pape Bouna leading stars like Sadio Mane and Lamine Camara. DR Congo aims to improve on their fourth-place finish in 2023, spearheaded by Yoane Wissa. Benin shows promise under Gernot Rohr, and Botswana qualified impressively over Cape Verde.
Group E contains Algeria, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea. Algeria seeks revival under Vladimir Petkovic, with Riyad Mahrez leading the charge. Sudan qualified remarkably amid domestic challenges. Burkina Faso features Premier League talent Dango Ouattara. Equatorial Guinea builds on its impressive 2023 showing.
Group F presents Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. The defending champions Ivory Coast face five-time winners Cameroon in the group's headline matchup. Gabon relies on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's leadership, and Mozambique aims to replicate its recent success against Egypt.
The tournament format allows four third-placed teams to advance. Based on recent performances, Angola, Comoros, Sudan, and Benin emerge as strong candidates for these spots.
Morocco, the host nation, delivered an impressive ceremony that previewed the tournament's grandeur, which is planned for December 2025 and January 2026.
Group A pairs host Morocco with Mali, Comoros, and Zambia. The Atlas Lions, Africa's top-ranked team, aim to add to their sole AFCON title from 1976. Head coach Walid Regragui emphasized their competitive spirit despite their welcoming nature. Mali brings a talented squad under Tom Saintfiet, featuring stars like Bissouma and El Bilal Toure. Zambia, led by Avram Grant, hopes to recapture past glory with Leicester City's Patson Daka. Comoros enters their second AFCON after their memorable 2021 debut.
Group B features Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. The Pharaohs seek redemption after their 2019 elimination, powered by Mohammed Salah and Omar Marmoush. South Africa, recent bronze medalists, builds momentum under Hugo Broos. Angola impressed in 2024, notably defeating Ghana in Kumasi. Zimbabwe relies on Prince Dube and Jordan Zemura for success.
Group C unites Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Super Eagles showcase attacking prowess through Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman under coach Eric Chelle. Tunisia maintains its consistent presence, drawing strength from domestic league talents. Tanzania brings players from powerhouses Young Africans and Simba, Uganda competes under Romanian tactician Paul Put.
Group D comprises Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Senegal enters as favorites with new coach Thiaw Pape Bouna leading stars like Sadio Mane and Lamine Camara. DR Congo aims to improve on their fourth-place finish in 2023, spearheaded by Yoane Wissa. Benin shows promise under Gernot Rohr, and Botswana qualified impressively over Cape Verde.
Group E contains Algeria, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea. Algeria seeks revival under Vladimir Petkovic, with Riyad Mahrez leading the charge. Sudan qualified remarkably amid domestic challenges. Burkina Faso features Premier League talent Dango Ouattara. Equatorial Guinea builds on its impressive 2023 showing.
Group F presents Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. The defending champions Ivory Coast face five-time winners Cameroon in the group's headline matchup. Gabon relies on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's leadership, and Mozambique aims to replicate its recent success against Egypt.
The tournament format allows four third-placed teams to advance. Based on recent performances, Angola, Comoros, Sudan, and Benin emerge as strong candidates for these spots.
