By Kunle Solaja.

Group B of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, promises a compelling blend of pedigree, resurgence and ambition as record champions Egypt headline a quartet that also includes former winners South Africa, improving Angola and determined outsiders Zimbabwe.

Matches in the group will be staged across Agadir and Marrakech, with the early fixtures expected to offer clear signals of which teams are best prepared for the long road ahead.

Fixtures (Kick-off times GMT)

• Dec 22 (17:00) – Agadir: Egypt v Zimbabwe
• Dec 22 (19:30) – Marrakech: Angola v South Africa
• Dec 26 (17:00) – Agadir: Egypt v South Africa
• Dec 26 (19:30) – Marrakech: Angola v Zimbabwe
• Dec 29 (19:30) – Agadir: Angola v Egypt
• Dec 29 (19:30) – Marrakech: South Africa v Zimbabwe

Egypt: Continental Royalty with Eyes on an Eighth Crown

No team carries more history into the Africa Cup of Nations than Egypt. Making a record 26th appearance at the finals, the Pharaohs are chasing an unprecedented eighth title to add to their triumphs in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998 and their historic treble between 2006 and 2010.

Ranked 34th in the world, Egypt qualified comfortably under legendary former striker Hossam Hassan, who famously finished as joint top scorer when the Pharaohs won the 1998 AFCON. His squad blends domestic dominance with elite European experience, led by Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed.

With a strong Al Ahly and Zamalek core providing defensive solidity and midfield control, Egypt are widely expected to top the group — but past tournaments have shown that reputation alone guarantees nothing.

South Africa: Former Champions Seeking a New Identity

South Africa returns for their 11th AFCON appearance, still searching for a second title to follow their fairytale triumph as hosts in 1996. Ranked 61st globally, Bafana Bafana topped their qualifying group ahead of Uganda and Congo, suggesting renewed consistency under Belgian coach Hugo Broos.

Bafana Bafana celebrate winning their send-off match to Morocco 2025. Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images

The squad features a blend of local league strength and overseas influence, with Burnley forward Lyle Foster offering pace and power up front. Midfield leader Teboho Mokoena and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams anchor a team that prides itself on structure and discipline.

South Africa’s opening clash with Angola and the subsequent showdown with Egypt could define their campaign.

Angola: Quiet Progress and Growing Belief

Angola arrive in Morocco with growing confidence after steady improvement over the past decade. Making their ninth AFCON appearance, the Palancas Negras have reached the quarter-finals three times, most recently in 2023.

Coached by France’s Patrice Beaumelle, Angola surprised many by finishing top of a qualifying group that included Ghana. Their squad boasts a solid European presence, with defenders Clinton Mata and David Carmo providing experience, while attackers like Gelson Dala, Zito Luvumbo and Mbala Nzola offer speed and creativity.

Ranked 89th in the world, Angola are seen as dangerous floaters capable of unsettling the more fancied sides.

Zimbabwe: Underdogs with Resilience and Pride

Zimbabwe complete the Group B line-up as clear underdogs but with a reputation for resilience. The Warriors are making their sixth appearance at the finals and are still seeking to progress beyond the group stage.

Ranked 129th globally, Zimbabwe qualified as runners-up behind Cameroon, relying on discipline and unity rather than star power. Coach Mario Marinica has assembled a squad mixing domestic players with experienced professionals abroad, including Marvelous Nakamba, Knowledge Musona and Teenage Hadebe.

While progression will be a major challenge, Zimbabwe will aim to frustrate their opponents and capitalise on any slip-ups.

Group B Outlook

Group B pits Africa’s most successful nation against former champions and ambitious challengers. Egypt’s pedigree makes them favourites, but South Africa’s experience, Angola’s momentum and Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit ensure there will be no easy matches.

With key encounters spread between Agadir and Marrakech, Group B promises intensity, tactical battles and the kind of unpredictability that has long defined the Africa Cup of Nations.

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Senegal full back Ilay Camara has been ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations finals due to injury, the country’s football federation said on Tuesday.

There is also concern over striker Assane Diao, who suffered an injury playing for Como against AS Roma in Serie A on Monday.

Como coach Cesc Fabregas said he had asked Senegal not to select the 20-year-old for the tournament in Morocco, where they are in Group D with Benin, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Senegal’s first game is against Botswana in Tangier next Tuesday.

-Reuters

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat to seven-time African champions Egypt in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly played in Cairo on Tuesday night, as both sides fine-tuned preparations for the tournament in Morocco.

The friendly, staged to sharpen competitive edge ahead of AFCON kick-off, saw Nigeria struggle for cohesion in attack, even though their work rate and commitment were evident throughout the encounter.

Egypt took a deserved lead in the 28th minute when Mahmoud Saber finished from close range after sustained pressure. The Pyramids’ midfielder was perfectly picked out by the lively Ahmed Sayed “Zizo,” whose direct running and creativity caused Nigeria persistent problems down the flanks. Saber arrived unmarked at the back post to tap into an empty net.

Nigeria’s best moments in the first half came more from determination than structure. The Super Eagles were nearly gifted an equaliser when Paul Onuachu’s long ball almost resulted in an own goal by Egyptian defender Yasser Ibrahim, but goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy reacted sharply to prevent the mishap.

That incident appeared to lift Nigeria’s confidence, and the equaliser arrived deep into first-half stoppage time. Zaidu Sanusi swung in a free kick from the left which El Shenawy fumbled at his near post, allowing defender Chidozie Awaziem to react quickest and head home from close range in the 45+3rd minute.

Egypt, however, emerged from the interval with renewed urgency and reclaimed the lead eight minutes after the restart. Once again, Nigeria were undone by Egyptian width and movement as Zizo played a key role in the build-up before Mostafa Mohamed powered a right-footed shot past the Nigerian defence from inside the area in the 53rd minute.

Despite efforts to respond, the Super Eagles were unable to find a second equaliser as Egypt controlled the closing stages and finished the match the stronger side.

The result offers Nigeria valuable lessons ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations opener against Tanzania on Monday, while Egypt will begin their own campaign a day earlier against Zimbabwe.

For the Super Eagles, the Cairo test underlined the need for sharper attacking cohesion as they prepare to chase continental glory in Morocco.

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