By Kunle Solaja.

Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, features a compelling mix of pedigree, experience, and emerging ambition.

Three-time champions Nigeria headline the group alongside seasoned North African contenders Tunisia, East African challengers Uganda and improving Tanzania, setting up a series of intriguing contests split between Fes and Rabat.

Fixtures (Kick-off times GMT)

• Dec 23 (12:00) – Fes: Nigeria v Tanzania
• Dec 23 (14:30) – Rabat: Tunisia v Uganda
• Dec 27 (12:00) – Fes: Nigeria v Tunisia
• Dec 27 (19:00) – Rabat: Tanzania v Uganda
• Dec 30 (17:00) – Fes: Nigeria v Uganda
• Dec 30 (17:00) – Rabat: Tanzania v Tunisia

Nigeria: Favourites with Depth and Firepower

Nigeria arrive in Morocco aiming for a fourth continental crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

Making their 20th appearance at the finals, the Super Eagles are ranked 38th in the world and topped their qualifying group ahead of Benin, Rwanda and Libya.

Under new coach Eric Sékou Chelle, Nigeria boast one of the most balanced squads in the competition.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali anchors a defence featuring Premier League experience in Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka power the midfield.

Up front, the Eagles possess an enviable array of attacking options, led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, supported by Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu. Nigeria will play all three group matches in Fes, a logistical advantage that could prove decisive.

Tunisia: Consistency and Continental Know-How

Tunisia are appearing at the AFCON finals for the 21st time, underlining their reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent performers. Winners on home soil in 2004, the Carthage Eagles enter the tournament ranked 40th globally and qualified as runners-up behind Comoros in their group.

Coached by Sami Trabelsi, Tunisia combines European-based talent with tactical discipline. Midfield general Ellyes Skhiri, veteran Ferjani Sassi and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejri provide experience and control, while defenders Ali Abdi and Montassar Talbi offer solidity at the back.

Tunisia’s clash with Nigeria in Fes is expected to be one of the standout group matches.

Uganda: Seeking a Return to Past Glory

Uganda, runners-up at the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations, return for their eighth finals appearance, hoping to recapture past promise. Ranked 85th in the world, the Cranes qualified behind South Africa in their group and are coached by the experienced Belgian tactician Paul Put.

With veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango and a blend of Europe- and Africa-based players, Uganda aim to combine resilience with attacking intent. Strikers such as Steven Mukwala and Uchechukwu Ikpeazu will be key if the Cranes are to challenge for progression.

Uganda must still trim their provisional 30-man squad by two players ahead of the tournament.

Tanzania: Determined Underdogs

Tanzania completes Group C as underdogs but arrives with confidence after qualifying for their fourth AFCON finals. Ranked 112th globally, the Taifa Stars finished runners-up behind DR Congo in qualification, edging Guinea and Ethiopia.

Argentine coach Miguel Gamondi has built a disciplined squad featuring a strong domestic core from Simba and Young Africans, alongside experienced forward Mbwana Samatta. Tanzania will be keen to build on their recent AFCON appearances and secure a first-ever knockout-stage win.

Group C Outlook

Group C promises a fascinating contest between tradition and ambition. Nigeria’s attacking depth makes them favourites, but Tunisia’s consistency, Uganda’s resilience and Tanzania’s hunger ensure no easy matches.

With key encounters spread across Fes and Rabat, the group is poised to deliver drama, tactical battles and defining moments as the race for the knockout stage unfolds.

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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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