The Road to Glory: A full breakdown of the AFCON 2025 Groups in Morocco

The draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has set the stage for a spectacular continental event, running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The 24 qualified nations have been divided into six groups of four, with the top two teams from each group, along with the best four third-placed teams, advancing to the Round of 16.

The draw has delivered some high-stakes matchups, setting up intriguing battles for the coveted trophy.

In this article, we will delve into the breakdown of the groups for the 35th edition of the biggest football event in Africa.

The 24 teams are sorted into six groups, with several 'Groups of Death' emerging that promise dramatic group-stage action.

The host, Morocco, was drawn alongside Mali, Zambia and Comoros.

Group A is a potential 'Group of Death' right out of the gate. Morocco, buoyed by home support and their status as FIFA World Cup semi-finalists, is the heavy favourite.

However, they face tough competition from Mali, a consistently strong African side, and Zambia, the 2012 champions, who possess attacking talent.

Comoros, who reached the Round of 16 in 2021, are the unpredictable dark horse capable of causing an upset.

In this group, Morocco facing Mali is expected to be the battle for the top spot.

Group B will see the most successful team in the tournament's history, Egypt, battling South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.

This group features two giants of African football history. Record seven-time champions Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, will be favoured but must overcome a tricky South Africa (Bafana Bafana) side that performed well in the last tournament.

Angola consistently proves to be a tenacious opponent, while Zimbabwe makes a welcome return to the finals. This group promises tight, tactical battles, particularly between the top two seeds.

Egypt vs. South Africa is the marquee clash with major bragging rights at stake.

This group has three-time African champions and last year's runners-up, Nigeria, going all out against Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will enter as the highest-ranked team, banking on the firepower of Victor Osimhen to drive their campaign. They face Tunisia, a highly disciplined and tactically savvy team with a record for deep runs in AFCON.

The qualifying spots are likely to be claimed by these two, but the East African duo of Uganda and Tanzania will view the group as manageable enough to challenge for a best third-place spot.

This group has former champions, Senegal, DR Congo, Benin and Botswana.

The 2021 champions, Senegal, are strong favourites, boasting a deep, star-studded squad led by Sadio Mané. Their biggest challenge will come from DR Congo, a powerhouse with a strong tournament pedigree and a history of causing upsets.

Benin and Botswana will be seen as outsiders, but any points dropped by the top two could have major consequences.

Group E has Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan.

This is a formidable group, with Algeria (2019 champions) looking to reassert its dominance after a disappointing last outing.

Burkina Faso is an AFCON regular known for their organisation and recent consistency. Equatorial Guinea were the surprise package of the last tournament, demonstrating their ability to thrive in a tough group. Sudan rounds out the quartet, ready to challenge for points.

This group F consists of the defending champions, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique.

This is arguably the toughest group. Reigning champions Ivory Coast face two of the continent's most decorated and feared nations. Cameroon (The Indomitable Lions) is a five-time winner and always a serious threat.

The derby match against Gabon, featuring stars like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga, adds local intensity. Mozambique enters the group hoping to spring a surprise against the heavyweight contenders. Expect a chaotic and unpredictable fight for survival in this quartet.

The top two teams from each of the six groups (12 teams total) will automatically qualify for the Round of 16.

These teams will be joined by the four best third-placed teams from across all groups, completing the 16-team knockout bracket.