Africa’s premier football tournament has reached fever pitch, with only eight nations remaining from the original 24 in the race for continental glory. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the 35th edition of the competition, is being staged in Morocco for the second time, with the North African nation last hosting the tournament back in 1988.

This edition of AFCON has come at an ideal moment, particularly for the African nations involved in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The tournament has provided a valuable platform for teams to build squad depth, test tactical ideas, and boost confidence ahead of the global showpiece.

AFCON 2025 Group Stage Overview

The 24 qualified teams were drawn into six groups of four, with the opening match between hosts Morocco and Comoros played on December 21.

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: Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

Quarter-Final Drama

The knockout phase delivered high drama as Africa’s heavyweights battled for a place in the last four.
Senegal edged past Mali with a narrow 1–0 victory, ending Mali’s run of draws and securing a semi-final spot for the Teranga Lions.

Morocco lived up to expectations against Cameroon, combining home advantage with quality to claim a 2–0 win and continue their quest for a home triumph.

In Saturday’s action, Nigeria produced a commanding display to defeat Algeria 2–0. Despite missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the three-time champions have looked revitalised, carrying momentum from their AFCON 2023 runner-up finish.

The final quarter-final saw defending champions Côte d’Ivoire fall in a thrilling 3–2 defeat to Egypt. Led by stars such as Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, the Pharaohs proved too strong to deny a semi-final place.

Semi-Finals and Final Fixtures

The AFCON semi-finals will be played on Wednesday, January 14:

Senegal vs Egypt – Kick-off at 19:00

Nigeria vs Morocco – Kick-off at 22:00

The champions of Africa will be crowned on January 18, 2026, at the iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
With continental pride, history, and silverware on the line, AFCON 2025 is set for a thrilling climax.