The highly anticipated draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) took place on Monday evening at the iconic Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco. The event, which determined the group-stage opponents for the 24 qualified teams, provided plenty of drama, excitement, and anticipation across Africa.
Host nation Morocco will kick off the tournament on December 21, 2025, facing Comoros in the opening match. The draw results placed the teams into six groups, with some intriguing matchups set to captivate football fans across the continent:
The tournament, now in its 35th edition, will feature 12 former champions among the 24 teams, who have shared an impressive total of 28 titles between them. Egypt leads the pack with seven titles, followed by Cameroon with five, and Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria with three each.
Group B has emerged as one of the most competitive, featuring Mohamed Salah's Egypt against South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. This group stands out with its star power and rich footballing history. Meanwhile, Group C will see Nigeria, fresh from their 2023 AFCON final appearance, battle against Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The draw ceremony was graced by African football legends, including Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, Aliou Cisse, and Joseph Yobo, who assisted with the proceedings. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressed his gratitude to King Mohammed VI of Morocco and highlighted the significance of this tournament, stating that it would be "the most entertaining and most exciting AFCON" in history.
The event was broadcast live across over 90 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North and South America, ensuring global coverage. In Africa, 46 countries had access to the draw through free-to-air platforms, allowing fans across the continent to witness this crucial moment in the tournament's buildup.
As the host nation, Morocco aims to capitalize on their home advantage and end a 49-year drought without winning the continental title. The tournament is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, promising nearly a month of top-tier African football.
This AFCON draw has set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating showcase of African football talent. As teams begin their preparations, fans across the continent and beyond eagerly anticipate the kickoff of this prestigious tournament in Morocco later this year.
Autry Suku
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