AFCON
Teams battle for glory as AFCON 2025 qualifiers Matchday -3 approaches
As the excitement builds for Matchday Three of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the battle intensifies among the 48 competing national teams.
Over the next few days, teams will clash in a series of crucial matches as they strive for qualification to Africa’s premier football tournament.
With 24 fixtures scheduled, each match will be pivotal in determining the fate of the teams vying for a spot in Morocco 2025.
Here’s a closer look at the matchups in each group:
Group A
Tunisia is flying high at the top of Group A with two wins out of two, and they will look to maintain their perfect record against Comoros, who desperately seek their first points of the campaign. Madagascar and Gambia, both still without points, are under pressure to secure vital victories as they prepare to face each other. The upcoming matches could redefine the dynamics of this group, especially for those fighting to stay in contention.
Fixtures: Madagascar vs Gambia, Tunisia vs Comoros
Group B
Morocco has established itself as the team to beat in Group B, boasting two convincing victories. They will face the Central African Republic, who are determined to keep their hopes alive. Gabon and Lesotho, both still hunting for their first points, will clash in a crucial encounter that could have significant implications for their qualification chances. This matchday promises to be decisive as teams aim to carve out their paths to the finals.
Fixtures: Gabon v Lesotho, Morocco vs Central African Republic
Group C
Egypt continues to demonstrate dominance in Group C, having won both of their matches impressively. They will be tested against Mauritania, who holds a strong second place but will need to deliver their best to challenge the Pharaohs. Cape Verde Islands and Botswana are both keen to prove their mettle and must capitalize on their upcoming fixtures to gain ground. Expect an intense showdown as each team vies for crucial points.
Fixtures: Cape Verde vs Botswana, Egypt v Mauritania
Group D
Nigeria remains the frontrunner in Group D with solid performances thus far, while Benin trails closely in second place. The match against Libya offers Nigeria a chance to consolidate their position, while Rwanda desperately seeks their first victory against Benin. The stakes are high as teams aim to establish themselves in the top two spots and secure their place in Morocco.
Fixtures: Nigeria v Libya, Benin v Rwanda
Group E
Algeria leads Group E with two convincing wins and will aim to continue their strong form against Togo. Equatorial Guinea and Liberia, both yet to find their footing, face a critical match that could determine their qualification fate. The pressure is on for all teams as the race for qualification heats up, with every point being vital.
Fixtures: Algeria vs Togo, Eq Guinea v Liberia
Group F
Angola leads the charge in Group F, boasting a perfect record so far. They will be looking to extend their winning streak against Niger, who are desperate for points. Sudan, sitting in second place, faces Ghana in what promises to be a competitive fixture. As teams vie for position, the tension is palpable with each match potentially reshaping the group standings.
Fixtures: Ghana vs Sudan, Angola v Niger
Group G
Cote d’Ivoire stands strong in Group G with two wins, setting the tone for their next fixture against Sierra Leone, who are in search of their first points. Zambia is hot on their heels and will face Chad, eager to solidify their own position. This matchday presents a crucial opportunity for lower-ranked teams to assert themselves and keep their qualification hopes alive.
Fixtures: Cote d’Ivoire vs Sierra Leone, Zambia vs Chad
Group H
DR Congo currently leads Group H with two victories, but Tanzania poses a formidable challenge as they attempt to close the gap. Ethiopia and Guinea are in urgent need of points and will be looking to seize opportunities in their respective matches. The competitiveness of this group is heating up, promising thrilling encounters ahead.
Fixtures: DR Congo vs Tanzania, Guinea vs Ethiopia
Group I
Mali’s strong performances have placed them at the top of Group I, while Mozambique is lurking in second place. Guinea-Bissau and Swaziland are yet to score points, and both teams are under pressure to make their mark. With critical matches on the horizon, every point is crucial for teams aiming for qualification.
Fixtures: Mozambique vs Eswatini, Mali vs Guinea-Bissau
Group J
Cameroon leads Group J, showcasing their strength in the qualifiers, while Kenya closely follows in a competitive second place. Namibia is in urgent need of points, facing a tough challenge against Zimbabwe. The dynamics of this group are evolving as teams battle for supremacy and a chance to qualify.
Fixtures: Cameroon v Kenya, Namibia vs Zimbabwe
Group K
Uganda and South Africa are both performing well, leading Group K. They face crucial matches that will determine their positions in the race for qualification. Congo and South Sudan are looking to make a statement and must deliver strong performances to keep their hopes alive.
Fixtures: Uganda v South Sudan, South Africa v Congo
Group L
Burkina Faso and Senegal are tied at the top of Group L, each demonstrating solid performances thus far. Both teams will be keen to secure victories to maintain their positions, while Malawi is desperately seeking their first points. This group is set for intense competition as the battle for qualification intensifies.
Fixtures: Burkina Faso vs Burundi, Senegal v Malawi
-Caf
The African Football Confederation (CAF) and Royal Air Maroc (RAM) have sealed a historic strategic partnership that grants Morocco’s national airline the status of “Official Global Partner” for upcoming major African football competitions.
The agreement was signed Saturday morning in Casablanca, in the presence of Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaâ.
This partnership encompasses several prestigious tournaments, including the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco (AFCON) 2025 (December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026) and CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco (WAFCON) 2024 (July 5-26, 2025).
The agreement also covers CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2025, CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025, CAF Champions League 2024/2025 Finals, CAF Confederation Cup 2024/2025 Finals, and the CAF Women’s Champions League 2025.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe voiced enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“We are excited about the partnership between CAF and Royal Air Maroc, a world-class airline that will provide comfort and fly NationalTeams participating in the CAF competitions,” he said.
“We are confident that the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will be the most successful AFCON in the history of this competition.”
The agreement strengthens RAM’s footprint across Africa and globally, solidifying its role as a strategic gateway between Africa and the rest of the world. It also aligns with Morocco’s emergence as an international sports hub, with the country preparing to host AFCON 2025 and co-host the FIFA World Cup 2030.
RAM’s Chairman and CEO Hamid Addou stated: “This historic partnership with CAF aligns fully with our strategic vision as an airline deeply rooted in Africa and committed to its development.”
“Royal Air Maroc doesn’t just connect destinations; it builds bridges between cultures and passions. By supporting the continent’s biggest football competitions, we reaffirm our role as a facilitator of human and sporting exchanges,” he continued.
500,000 supporters expected
Beyond its partnership role, RAM will implement an exceptional operational system to meet increased demand during CAF competitions. The airline plans to welcome over 500,000 supporters for AFCON 2025.
“We believe we will surpass this figure by far,” revealed Addou. “We will be ready to accommodate these supporters across Royal Air Maroc’s entire network.”
The airline intends to double seat capacity from qualified countries already served by RAM, such as Dakar, Abidjan, Cairo, Tunis, Bamako, Lagos, and Douala.
RAM will also intensify flight frequencies from European cities with large African communities, including Paris, Brussels, Milan, London, Marseille, Lyon, Madrid, and Barcelona.
Additionally, the airline will establish a dedicated program for domestic air transport of national teams, shuttling them between their base camps and host cities.
This positioning establishes RAM as the primary connector between Africa and Europe through its Casablanca hub. FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaâ noted that the contract “reinforces Royal Air Maroc’s first-rate leadership role in Africa.”
“Royal Air Maroc is no stranger to football,” Lekjaâ added. “It has always supported generations of our athletes and footballers here in Morocco.”
“With this expertise and experience, they will contribute significantly to making AFCON 2025 Morocco exceptional, a historic turning point in African football, cultural coexistence and African cultural exchange,” he concluded.
Addou stressed RAM’s commitment to African unity: “We are all extremely proud to be African, and in every corner of this vast and magnificent continent, we share the same ambition—to actively contribute to Africa’s development and influence.”
The RAM CEO concluded by inviting everyone to upcoming CAF calendar events: “We’ll see you very soon for the great moments ahead in the CAF calendar, particularly the Women’s AFCON starting in July and, of course, the men’s AFCON, which kicks off on December 25.”
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The presidents of the regional councils concerned by the hosting of the matches of the Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco-2025) unanimously affirmed that the implementation of infrastructure projects in anticipation of this continental event “is progressing at a sustained pace”, declaring themselves “fully mobilized” to crown with success the major sporting events scheduled in the Kingdom.
They specified, in statements to the press in Rabat following a meeting at the headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior devoted to the assessment of the progress of the construction and rehabilitation works of the stadiums, that major sports infrastructure projects are underway in the six host cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Marrakech and Agadir.
The President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, Abdellatif Maâzouz, announced that the projects planned for upcoming international sporting events, in particular the 2025 African Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, “are proceeding under good conditions.”
The projects related to the organisation of the AFCON will be ready by next July at the latest, he assured, specifying that there is a clear vision regarding the preparations underway for the AFCON and the 2030 World Cup, both in terms of equipment and organisational arrangements related to human resources and animation.
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AFCON
‘Land of Football’ is ‘Kingdom of Light’ as Moroccan Tourism Office and Football Federation Strike Accord
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Morocco’s football federation and tourism office have signed a groundbreaking agreement to establish the country as a major football and tourism destination leading to the milestone 2030 World Cup when the global football tournament clocks a century.
The Moroccan football body and the Tourism Office are building on the national team’s recent international success.
Though with just one success in the Africa Cup of Nations, Moroccan football soars higher than the rest in Africa and the Arab world at the World Cup.
Apart from being the only African and Arab country to have reached the World Cup semi-final stage, Morocco in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico became the first African team not to be defeated in a World Cup match when they forced Bulgaria to a 1-1 draw on 11 June.
Again, in Mexico, this time at the 1986 World Cup, Morocco became the first African team to top a group and cross the group stage.
They were just two minutes away from a major upset of West Germany in the round of 16 before Lothar Matthäus’ back-breaking goal.
The success of the football team and the tourism potential of Morocco have found a harmonious chord.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and the National Moroccan Tourism Office (ONMT) will work together under the banner “Morocco, Land of Football,” placing the sport at the heart of the country’s tourism strategy.
“More than an institutional partnership, this convention is a shared vision: that of a Morocco that shines through football and makes it a lever for promotion, pride and tourist attractiveness,” ONMT said in a statement released after the signing.
The timing of this collaboration is strategic, coming ahead of two major sporting events: the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
The initiative builds on widespread public enthusiasm following the Atlas Lions’ historic World Cup performance in 2022.
Under the agreement, both organizations will implement an integrated communication strategy combining visibility campaigns, influence marketing, and joint promotional activities.
The initiative will mobilize iconic figures from Moroccan football to bring this vision to life, to showcase the country’s world-class sporting facilities, rich cultural heritage, and diverse tourist attractions.
ONMT has launched a major offensive at making Morocco, the ultimate tourism and business destination as the clock ticks down to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations holding in December.
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