AFCON
AFCON 2025 Group Stage Heads for Dramatic Finale in Morocco
The Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco enters its decisive phase on Monday as the final round of group-stage fixtures kicks off, with qualification still hanging in the balance for most of the field. True to AFCON tradition, late drama looks inevitable.
Three heavyweights — Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria — have already secured their places in the Round of 16 after winning their opening two matches. For the rest, the final group games will determine not only who finishes in the top two but also which sides can cling to hope through the race for the best third-placed spots.
Group B: Egypt Safe, Chaos Behind
Egypt’s perfect start has them clear on six points and safely through, but the battle behind remains fierce. South Africa, second on three points, know victory over Zimbabwe would guarantee progression. Angola, level on one point with Zimbabwe, face the daunting task of upsetting Egypt while hoping other results tilt in their favor. With goal difference tight, a single swing could prove decisive.
Group A: Hosts Morocco Still Under Pressure
Hosts Morocco top Group A on four points but are not yet assured of safety. Mali and Zambia sit locked on two points, while Comoros remain alive with one. Monday night’s fixtures could flip the group upside down: Morocco face Zambia, who have already shown resilience, while Mali cannot afford a slip against Comoros in what may become a straight shootout for qualification.
Group C: Nigeria Through, Tunisia on Edge
Tuesday’s action sees Nigeria, already qualified, take on Uganda. Tunisia, on three points, must handle business against Tanzania. Yet both Tanzania and Uganda remain capable of sneaking through with a strong finish, leaving no room for complacency.
Group D: Final-Day Squeeze
Senegal and DR Congo are level on four points, Benin trail by one, and Botswana chase their first point. DR Congo will expect opportunities against Botswana, but Senegal’s clash with Benin carries high stakes: first place, automatic qualification, and even elimination are all possible outcomes depending on results.
Group E: Algeria Await Their Companion
Algeria are safely through, but Burkina Faso and Sudan — level on three points — will battle for the second spot. Fine margins could decide who joins the North Africans in the knockout rounds.
Group F: Champions Under Threat
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon are tied on four points, with Mozambique lurking just behind on three. Gabon are already eliminated, but the final evening promises a scramble for survival and supremacy.
Fixtures to Watch
The final group games span three days, promising twists at every turn:
Monday, 29 December
• 16:00 — Angola vs Egypt
• 16:00 — Zimbabwe vs South Africa
• 19:00 — Zambia vs Morocco
• 19:00 — Comoros vs Mali
Tuesday, 30 December
• 16:00 — Uganda vs Nigeria
• 16:00 — Tanzania vs Tunisia
• 19:00 — Benin vs Senegal
• 19:00 — Botswana vs DR Congo
Wednesday, 31 December
• 16:00 — Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria
• 16:00 — Sudan vs Burkina Faso
• 19:00 — Gabon vs Côte d’Ivoire
• 19:00 — Mozambique vs Cameroon
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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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