AFCON
AFCON 2025 Group A in Focus: Hosts Morocco Lead a Diverse and Dangerous Quartet
By Kunle Solaja.
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, Group A immediately presents a compelling mix of pedigree, ambition and contrasting football identities. Hosts Morocco headline a section that also features former champions Zambia, perennial contenders Mali and rising outsiders Comoros, setting the stage for an intriguing opening phase of the tournament.
All Group A matches will be split between Rabat and Casablanca, with the opening fixture seeing Morocco face Comoros at the capital’s stadium on December 21.
Fixtures (Kick-off times GMT)
- Dec 21 (19:00) – Rabat: Morocco v Comoros
- Dec 22 (14:30) – Casablanca: Mali v Zambia
- Dec 26 (12:00) – Rabat: Morocco v Mali
- Dec 26 (14:30) – Casablanca: Comoros v Zambia
- Dec 29 (17:30) – Rabat: Morocco v Zambia
- Dec 29 (17:30) – Casablanca: Comoros v Mali
Morocco: Hosts with Heavy Expectations
Morocco enters AFCON 2025 not only as hosts but also as one of the continent’s strongest teams, ranked 11th in the world as of November 2025. Making their 19th appearance at the finals, the Atlas Lions are chasing a second continental crown to add to their historic triumph in 1976.
Under coach Walid Regragui, Morocco boast a squad rich in European-based stars and tournament experience. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou anchors a side that includes defensive heavyweights Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd, while the midfield and attack feature creative and attacking quality in players such as Sofyan Amrabat, Brahim Diaz, Hakim Ziyech’s successors and prolific forwards Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi.
Morocco topped their qualifying group despite already being assured of participation as hosts, reinforcing their status as favourites to dominate Group A.
Mali: Talent-Rich Contenders Still Chasing Glory
Mali return for their 13th AFCON appearance, still seeking a first title, having come closest in 1972 when they finished runners-up. Ranked 54th globally, the Eagles are widely regarded as one of Africa’s most technically gifted sides.
Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet has assembled a powerful squad blending physicality and finesse. The midfield is particularly formidable, featuring Premier League star Yves Bissouma, RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara and Al Ahly’s Aliou Dieng. Up front, Moussa El Bilal Touré and emerging European-based forwards offer pace and penetration.
Mali qualified convincingly, finishing top of their group ahead of Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau and Eswatini, and will see Group A as a genuine opportunity to make a deep run.
Zambia: Former Champions Seeking Revival
Zambia, champions in 2012, are making their 18th appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations and will be eager to rekindle memories of their famous triumph. Ranked 90th in the world, the Chipolopolo qualified impressively by finishing above Cote d’Ivoire in their group.
Coached by Moses Sichone, Zambia relies heavily on attacking firepower led by Leicester City striker Patson Daka, supported by Fashion Sakala and a physically strong midfield. Veteran defender Stoppila Sunzu provides leadership at the back, while the squad features a mix of local league standouts and Europe-based professionals.
Zambia’s clash with Mali in Casablanca could prove decisive in shaping the group standings.
Comoros: Fearless Underdogs with Nothing to Lose
Comoros remain the least experienced side in Group A but are no strangers to defying expectations. Making only their second AFCON appearance after debuting in 2021, where they reached the Round of 16, the Islanders arrive with quiet confidence.
Ranked 108th in the world, the Comoros topped a tough qualifying group that included Tunisia, the Gambia, and Madagascar. Italian coach Stefano Cusin has built a disciplined side, largely composed of players from Europe’s lower divisions and emerging leagues.
With attacking threats like Myziane Maolida and Faïz Selemani, Comoros will look to spring surprises, particularly against fellow travellers Mali and Zambia.
Group A Outlook
Group A offers a classic AFCON narrative: a powerful host nation under pressure to deliver, a technically gifted challenger still seeking validation, a former champion chasing revival, and an underdog eager to upset the established order.
As Morocco launches the tournament on home soil, the battles in Rabat and Casablanca promise intensity, intrigue and early clues as to which teams are ready to turn ambition into continental success.
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Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
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By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
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