CAF Announces Group Phase Draw for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA- The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the group stage draw for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers. Set to be held in Morocco, the tournament's qualifying rounds have generated considerable excitement, with a diverse array of teams competing for a coveted spot in Africa's premier football competition.

Group A

• Tunisia
• Madagascar
• Comoros
• The Gambia

Group A sees Tunisia, a team with a strong AFCON pedigree, pitted against Madagascar, Comoros, and The Gambia. Tunisia will look to leverage their experience, but the group promises to be competitive with emerging talents from Madagascar and Comoros.

Group B

• Morocco
• Gabon
• Central Africa R.
• Lesotho

Host nation Morocco headlines Group B, bringing a formidable presence to the qualifiers. Gabon, Central African Republic, and Lesotho will aim to challenge Morocco's dominance and secure their place in the tournament.

Group C

• Egypt
• Cape Verde
• Mauritania
• Botswana

In Group C, Egypt, a historical powerhouse in African football, is set to face Cape Verde, Mauritania, and Botswana. The Pharaohs will be the favorites, but Cape Verde and Mauritania could provide stiff competition.

Group D

• Nigeria
• Benin
• Libya
• Rwanda

Group D features Nigeria, another AFCON heavyweight, alongside Benin, Libya, and Rwanda. The Super Eagles will be keen to assert their dominance, but they must navigate potential upsets from their group rivals.

Group E

• Algeria
• Equatorial Guinea
• Togo
• Liberia

Algeria leads Group E and will look to continue their strong performances in recent years. Equatorial Guinea, Togo, and Liberia will aim to disrupt Algeria's plans and make their own mark in the qualifiers.

Group F

• Ghana
• Angola
• Sudan
• Niger

Ghana is the standout team in Group F, but Angola, Sudan, and Niger are not to be underestimated. The Black Stars will need to bring their best to ensure a smooth passage to Morocco.

Group G

• Côte d'Ivoire
• Zambia
• Sierra Leone
• Chad

Group G promises to be fiercely contested with Côte d'Ivoire, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Chad. The Elephants of Côte d'Ivoire will aim to lead the group, but Zambia's resurgence in recent years could pose a significant challenge.

Group H

• DR Congo
• Guinea
• Tanzania
• Ethiopia

DR Congo heads Group H, facing off against Guinea, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. This group is expected to be highly competitive, with each team possessing the potential to advance.

Group I

• Mali
• Mozambique
• Guinea-Bissau
• Eswatini

In Group I, Mali will face Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and Eswatini. The Eagles are favorites, but they must be cautious of the underdogs in this group.

Group J

• Cameroon
• Namibia
• Kenya
• Zimbabwe

Group J sees Cameroon, a team with a rich AFCON history, competing against Namibia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The Indomitable Lions will be keen to showcase their strength, but each match promises to be a battle.

Group K

• South Africa
• Uganda
• Congo
• South Sudan

South Africa leads Group K, facing Uganda, Congo, and South Sudan. Bafana Bafana will need to stay vigilant as they navigate this group, with Uganda and Congo posing credible threats.

Group L

• Senegal
• Burkina Faso
• Malawi
• Burundi

Group L is headlined by Senegal, the current AFCON champions. Burkina Faso, Malawi, and Burundi will look to challenge the Lions of Teranga in their quest to defend their title.

Conclusion

The AFCON 2025 qualifiers promise to deliver thrilling football action as teams across the continent vie for a spot in the prestigious tournament. With groups featuring a mix of established powers and rising talents, fans can expect intense competition and unexpected twists as the road to Morocco unfolds.