The countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has officially begun as the North African nation of Morocco prepares to host the continent’s premier football tournament for the second time in its history. 

With the qualifiers set to start on Wednesday, here’s a comprehensive guide to what fans can expect from the 35th edition of this iconic competition.

A Return to Morocco

Morocco last hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988, a tournament that saw just eight teams compete, with Cameroon emerging victorious after a hard-fought final against Nigeria.

Fast forward to 2025, and the tournament has expanded significantly, with 24 teams set to compete, highlighting the growth and development of African football over the past three decades.

Morocco was confirmed as the host nation on September 27, 2023, a decision that has been met with widespread enthusiasm.

The Atlas Lions, who automatically qualify as the host nation, are eager to showcase their country’s readiness to host a competition of this magnitude, especially after their historic performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

Stadiums and Host Cities

While the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has yet to officially announce the venues, several iconic stadiums are expected to play a central role in the tournament. These include:

• Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca: A likely centerpiece of the tournament, this historic venue hosted the 1988 AFCON final and is expected to be a major venue once again.
• Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat: Another key venue, currently undergoing expansion to increase its capacity.
• Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier: Set to host some of the tournament’s biggest matches, with an expanded capacity to accommodate more fans.
• Adrar Stadium, Agadir: Known for its stunning location and modern facilities, also being expanded ahead of the tournament.
• Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh: A popular venue with fans and likely to see significant action during the tournament.
• Fez Stadium, Fez: A more traditional setting that will add to the diverse experiences offered to fans.

Qualifiers and Teams

While Morocco is the only team currently assured of a place in the tournament as the host nation, the remaining 23 spots will be decided through a rigorous qualifying process.

The qualifiers, which kick off in September 2024, will see 48 nations divided into 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group securing their place in Morocco.

The qualification process promises intense competition, with teams like reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Algeria all vying for a spot.

Key Dates

The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to begin on December 21, 2025, and will culminate with the final on January 18, 2026. 

These dates are crucial for fans and teams alike as they prepare for the most prestigious football tournament on the African continent.

Morocco’s Growing Football Reputation

Morocco’s selection as the host for AFCON 2025 is no surprise given the country’s recent track record in successfully hosting major international football events.

From the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023, Morocco has consistently demonstrated its capacity to organize and deliver world-class football tournaments.

This track record, combined with the country’s passionate football culture and state-of-the-art infrastructure, sets the stage for what could be one of the most memorable editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Looking Ahead

As the road to Morocco 2025 begins, anticipation is high not just for the tournament itself but for what it symbolizes—a celebration of African football and a showcase of Morocco’s commitment to the sport. With world-class facilities, a football-mad population, and recent experience in hosting major tournaments, Morocco is poised to deliver an AFCON that will set new benchmarks for the competition.

-CAF

Nigeria’s Head Coach, Augustine Eguavoen has set as an objective, the maximum six points from this month’s double back-to-back clash of Super Eagles and Libya’s Mediterranean Knights as Group D encounters of the Africa Cup of Nations finals get to the midpoint.

Nigeria will host the first game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday evening. The return game will be at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, 19 kilometres from Libya’s second city, Benghazi, on Tuesday night.

“We have to be practical about it: our best and surest route to the finals will be to pick up the six points in the matches with Libya, and be somewhat guaranteed a place in Morocco even before Matchday 5. We don’t want to be anxious during the run-in of this qualifying campaign.

“I admit we will miss Victor (Osimhen), but I believe in the other strikers available to get us the goals that will give us the three points in Uyo, and the three points in Libya.”

Twenty of the 23 invited players trained in Uyo on Tuesday evening, with defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke arriving on Wednesday morning.

Leaders Nigeria have four points from their two matches so far, one point ahead of Benin Republic and two ahead of Rwanda. The Eagles will go to 10 points with a double win over Libya, while both teams on Nigeria’s heels are in attrition and are bound to chop at each other’s advantage one way or the other.

Wins for Benin Republic in both matches will take them to nine points, still short of Nigeria’s probable tally of 10, but Rwanda will remain stuck at two and Libya one, with only two matches left in the campaign. Wins for Rwanda will leave Benin Republic stuck at three points and Rwanda at eight.

“There are possibilities and opportunities for us to sail home at the end of these two matches, and we will do our best to take our chances and have the ticket in hand before the final round of games,” Eguavoen reiterated.

The delegation of Libya’s Mediterranean Knights landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport around noon on Tuesday, before moving to Uyo by road.

Malawian referee Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga, who will be at the centre during Friday’s encounter, alongside the other match officials, are already in the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The Confederation of African Football has also appointed Nkhakananga’s compatriots, Clemence Kanduku and Joseph Nyauti as assistant referees 1 ad 2 respectively, while Botswanan Keabetswe Dintwa will serve as fourth official.

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