Africa Cup of Nations 2025: A Guide to the Continent’s Biggest Football Tournament
The Africa Cup of Nations is the premier international football competition in Africa, bringing together the continent’s top national teams to compete for the coveted title. The 2025 edition promises to be an exciting tournament, with 48 teams vying for a spot in the finals.
What is the Africa Cup of Nations?
The Africa Cup of Nations is a biennial tournament that has been running since 1957. It is the equivalent of the European Championships, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, or the Copa America, and is the most prestigious football competition in Africa.
When and Where is the Next AFCON?
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. The tournament was originally scheduled for June and July 2025 but was rescheduled due to the expansion of the Club World Cup.
AFCON Qualifying: How Does it Work?
The qualifying process for the 2025 AFCON involves 48 teams competing in 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the finals, except for Group A, where only one team will join hosts Morocco. The qualifying campaign will conclude on November 19, 2023.
Notable Results So Far
The early qualifying rounds have seen some surprising results, including Tunisia’s last-minute win over Madagascar and Morocco’s thumping victories over Gabon and the Central African Republic. Egypt, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Algeria have also started strong, winning all their first three matches.
Decisive Matches Still to Come
Ghana, up against Sudan and former head coach Kwesi Appiah, must win to stay in contention. Guinea, under new coach Michel Dussuyer, is looking to bounce back after a slow start. Other key matches include Nigeria’s trip to Benin and the Central African Republic’s bid to qualify for the first time.
Groups to Watch
Group B promises to be a thrilling tussle, with Morocco, Gabon, and the Central African Republic vying for a spot in the finals. Nigeria’s group, which includes Benin and Sierra Leone, is also expected to be highly competitive.
Road to the Finals
With the qualifying campaign reaching its climax, teams are gearing up for the final push. Who will join Morocco in the finals? Will Ghana and Guinea turn their campaigns around? The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of Africa’s top teams.
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