Facts & Figures as AFCON 2025 qualifiers enter Matchday 3

Published

1 day ago

October 8, 2024

As the road to the Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 continues, Matchday 3 promises to deliver thrilling encounters across the continent.

With teams vying for qualification, the stakes are higher than ever as 48 teams are in action from Thursday in their quest to qualify for Africa’s flagship football competition.

Here are the key facts and figures ahead of the upcoming matches.

Namibia – Zimbabwe (10 October 2024)

Namibia have lost their last three AFCON qualifiers, while they’ve conceded at least once in 12 of their 13 such matches (W4 D2 L7).
Zimbabwe have drawn each of their two AFCON qualifiers in 2024 0-0, more goalless draws than in their previous 28 qualifying games combined (1).
Zimbabwe’s Khama Billiat has been involved in more shots (12—5 shots, 7 chances created) without registering a goal or assist than any other player in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers so far.

Cabo Verde – Botswana (10 October 2024)

Only one of Cabo Verde’s last 10 AFCON qualifiers has ended in a draw (W6 L3), that was against Eswatini in March 2023 (0-0).
Botswana have won only two of their last 22 AFCON qualifiers (D3 L17). These victories were against Zambia in November 2020 (1-0) and Libya in June 2022 (1-0).
Cabo Verde’s all-time cap record holder and leading goalscorer Ryan Mendes has had only two shots in this AFCON qualification phase; he’s found the net with both attempts.

Burkina Faso – Burundi (10 October 2024)

Burkina Faso have lost just one of their last 15 AFCON qualifiers (W8 D6), with their only defeat in this run coming against Cabo Verde in June 2023 (1-3).
Burundi have alternated between defeat and victory in each of their last five AFCON qualifiers, losing 1-0 to Senegal in their most recent such match.
Only four teams have had fewer shots than Burundi (15) in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers so far, yet while they’ve scored three goals, only Uganda (28.6%) and Egypt (28%) have a better shot conversion rate than Burundi (20%).

Algeria – Togo (10 October 2024)

Algeria are unbeaten in their last 16 AFCON qualifiers (W12 D4). Their last defeat dates back to October 2018 against Benin (0-1), and they haven’t lost on home soil in the competition since June 2007 (0-2 against Guinea).
Togo are unbeaten in their last five AFCON qualifiers (W2 D3), with their last three matches producing 11 goals (an average of 3.7 per game).
Algeria’s Amine Gouiri has scored three goals in his last four international matches, including two in his last two AFCON qualifiers.

DR Congo – Tanzania (10 October 2024)

DR Congo have won each of their last six AFCON qualifiers without conceding a goal, with their last defeat coming against Sudan in June 2022 (1-2).
Tanzania are unbeaten in their last four AFCON qualifiers (W2 D2), with those four matches producing only four goals (3 for, 1 against).
DR Congo’s Fiston Mayele has scored three goals in his last four AFCON qualifiers, all in the final 15 minutes of the game.

Madagascar – Gambia (11 October 2024)

Madagascar are winless in their last 12 AFCON qualifiers (D6 L6), with their last victory dating back to November 2019 (6-2 vs Niger). They have only scored two goals in their last 10 qualifiers.
Gambia have lost seven of their last nine matches in all competitions (W1 D1), with their only victory coming against Seychelles last June (5-1). Their last five matches have produced 21 goals (11 for, 10 against), an average of 4.2 per game.
Only Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba (10) has completed more dribbles than Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh (8) over the first two matchdays of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Tunisia – Comoros (11 October 2024)

Tunisia have won their last 16 AFCON qualifiers on home soil. The last team to avoid defeat against them was Sierra Leone in October 2012 (0-0).
Comoros are unbeaten in their last four AFCON qualifiers (W1 D3), with each of the last three ending 1-1.
Comoros’ Youssef M’Changama has had only two shots on target in these AFCON qualifiers but has scored with both attempts. Both goals have come from outside the box, including a direct free-kick against Gambia on matchday one.

Gabon – Lesotho (11 October 2024)

Gabon have lost four of their last five AFCON qualifiers but were victorious in their last outing, beating Central African Republic 2-0 in September.
Lesotho have won only one of their last 17 AFCON qualifiers (D6 L10), their victory coming against Seychelles in March 2022 (3-1). They have lost each of their last six matches in the competition.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored in each of his last three matches for Gabon. He’ll be attempting to score in a fourth consecutive international match for the first time in his career.

Egypt – Mauritania (11 October 2024)

Egypt are the leading scorers after the first two matchdays of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, netting seven times (without conceding a goal), with six different players scoring. Trézéguet is the only player to score more than once for Egypt.
Egypt have won each of their last six AFCON qualifiers (16 goals for, 1 against). In total, they have lost only one of their last 19 AFCON qualifiers (W14 D4), with that loss coming against Ethiopia in June 2022.
Mauritania have won only two of their last 14 matches in all competitions (D3 L9). Their wins were against Algeria at AFCON (1-0) and Botswana in the AFCON qualifiers in September (1-0).

Benin – Rwanda (11 October 2024)

Benin have won only two of their last 11 AFCON qualifiers (D3 L6), with victories against Rwanda in March 2023 (3-0) and Libya in September 2024 (2-1).
Rwanda have won only one of their last 22 AFCON qualifiers, with that victory coming against Mozambique in March 2021 (1-0). Since 2020, 67% of their AFCON qualifiers have ended in a draw (8/12).
Benin’s Steve Mounié has contested 28 and won 16 more aerial duels than any other player in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers so far.

Nigeria – Libya (11 October 2024)

Nigeria have won 14 of their last 19 AFCON qualifiers, losing only once (0-1 vs Guinea-Bissau in March 2023).
Nigeria and Libya’s two previous clashes in AFCON qualifiers produced nine goals in total, with Nigeria winning both encounters in October 2018 (4-0 and 3-2).
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has scored 16 goals across the last three editions of AFCON qualifiers, more than any other player.

Equatorial Guinea – Liberia (11 October 2024)

Equatorial Guinea have failed to win any of their last three AFCON qualifiers (D2 L1), their longest winless streak since 2018.
Liberia have lost only one of their last seven matches in all competitions (W3 D3). Their defeat came against Algeria in this AFCON qualifying edition (0-3).
Liberia’s 61.2% passing accuracy after two matches is the lowest among the 48 teams in this AFCON qualifying group phase.

Angola – Niger (11 October 2024)

Angola have lost only one of their last nine AFCON qualifiers (W5 D3), with that defeat coming against Ghana in March 2023 (0-1).
Niger are winless in their last 11 AFCON qualifiers (D4 L7). Their last victory was against Ethiopia in November 2020 (1-0).
Only two players have made more tackles than Niger’s Youssouff Oumarou (9) in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. He’s the only player to both concede (7) and win (8) at least seven fouls in the competition so far.

Ghana – Sudan (11 October 2024)

Ghana have won only two of their last 11 matches in all competitions (D5 L4) and are winless in their opening two matches of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers (D1 L1).
None of Sudan’s last 21 AFCON qualifiers has ended in a draw. They have won eight and lost 13 of those 21 matches.
Jordan Ayew has scored eight of Ghana’s last 12 goals in all competitions. Five of those goals came from the penalty spot.

Zambia – Chad (11 October 2024)

Zambia have lost only two of their last 10 AFCON qualifiers (W6 D2), both defeats coming against Côte d’Ivoire. They have won their last four AFCON qualifiers on home soil, scoring three goals in each of the last three home fixtures.
Chad have averaged 30% possession over the first two matches in this AFCON qualifiers group phase, the lowest ratio of any team. They are also goalless after these opening two games.
No player has attempted more dribbles than Zambia’s Yankuba Minteh (16) in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers so far. Only Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba (10) has completed more than Minteh (8).

Côte d’Ivoire – Sierra Leone (11 October 2024)

Côte d’Ivoire have won eight of their last 10 AFCON qualifiers (D1 L1), their only defeat in that period coming against Zambia in June 2023. They have averaged 72% possession over the first two matches of this AFCON qualifiers group phase, more than any other team.
Sierra Leone have won only two of their last 15 AFCON qualifiers (D8 L5), their victories coming against Benin in 2021 (1-0) and São Tomé and Príncipe in 2023 (2-0).
Côte d’Ivoire’s Jean-Philippe Krasso is the top scorer after the first two matchdays of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers group phase (3 goals in 2 games). He’s found the net with three of his six shots.

Guinea – Ethiopia (12 October 2024)

Guinea are winless in their last four AFCON qualifiers (D1 L3), their last victory coming against Ethiopia in March 2023 (3-2).
Ethiopia are one of five sides yet to score in the main round of AFCON 2025 qualifying. They have hit the target with just one of their 19 shots in the competition so far, the worst shooting accuracy of any side (5%).

Mozambique – Eswatini (11 October 2024)

Mozambique are unbeaten in their last four AFCON qualifiers (W3 D1). They last went five AFCON qualifiers in a row without a defeat in 2018.
Eswatini’s sole victory in their last 10 AFCON qualifiers was against Somalia in March 2024 (3-0). They have lost both their matches so far in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, both by a 1-0 scoreline with a goal conceded in the opening 15 minutes.
No goalkeeper has made more saves than Eswatini’s Mathabela Sandanezwe after the first two matchdays of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers (11).

Mali – Guinea-Bissau (11 October 2024)

Mali have won 12 of their last 16 AFCON qualifiers (D2 L2). Their last defeat on home soil in the competition came 10 years ago, against Ethiopia in October 2014 (2-3).
Guinea-Bissau have lost only two of their last 10 AFCON qualifiers (W7 D1) after a run of three consecutive defeats in November 2020.
Mali’s Yves Bissouma has created more chances from open play (7) and had more shots from outside the box (8) than any other player in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. He has also scored both of Mali’s goals in the opening two qualifiers, one from distance.

Cameroon – Kenya (11 October 2024)

Cameroon have lost only one of their last seven AFCON qualifiers (W3 D3). They have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three matches (W2 D1).
Kenya are unbeaten in their last four AFCON qualifiers (W2 D2), since a 2-1 defeat against Comoros in November 2020.
Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba has completed more dribbles than any other player in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers (10 over the first two matchdays).

Uganda – South Sudan (11 October 2024)

Uganda are unbeaten in their last three AFCON qualifiers (W2 D1), their longest unbeaten run since March 2016 and November 2018 (8 games, W6 D2).
South Sudan have won only one of their last 10 AFCON qualifiers (D2 L7). They are winless in their last seven matches, their last victory coming against Congo in March 2023 (2-1).
Uganda have scored four goals from 14 shots in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers; it’s the best shot conversion rate (28.6%) in the competition so far.

South Africa – Congo (11 October 2024)

South Africa’s last five AFCON qualifiers have produced 19 goals, an average of 3.8 per game (11 for, 8 against). Only Egypt (7) have scored more goals than South Africa (5) after the first two matchdays of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Congo have lost five of their last nine AFCON qualifiers (W3 D1), conceding two or more goals in all five defeats.
Only Denis Bouanga and Ademola Lookman have had more shots on target (6 each) than South Africa’s Oswin Appollis (5, including 2 goals).

Senegal – Malawi (11 October 2024)

Senegal are unbeaten in their last 28 AFCON qualifiers (W22 D6), their last such defeat coming 10 years ago against Tunisia in October 2014.
Malawi are winless in their last seven AFCON qualifiers (D2 L5), with their last victory coming against Ethiopia in June 2022 (2-1).
Malawi’s Chawanangwa Kawonga has delivered the joint-most assists in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers so far (2, level with Uganda’s Allan Okello).

Morocco – Central African Republic (12 October 2024)

Morocco are unbeaten against Central African Republic in their five previous encounters, winning three times and drawing twice. Morocco have scored 10 goals and conceded just once in those matches.
Morocco have lost only one of their last 17 AFCON qualifiers (W12 D4), their defeat coming against South Africa in June 2023.
Over the last three editions of AFCON qualifiers, Louis Mafuta has scored 11 of Central African Republic’s 17 goals (65%).

-CAF

AFCON 2025 in Morocco: Everything you need to know

Published

16 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Kunle Solaja

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

AFCON

Nigeria may clinch 2025 AFCON ticket as Eguavoen targets double over Libya

Published

17 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Kunle Solaja

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.

AFCON

Teams battle for glory as AFCON 2025 qualifiers Matchday -3 approaches

Published

1 day ago

October 8, 2024

Kunle Solaja

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