Discover What the Group B Teams Bring to Morocco

January 15, 2025—Following the qualifiers draw held in Johannesburg, South Africa, last July for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, 48 countries were allocated to groups of four teams, stretching from Groups A to L. What makes Group B stand out is the fact that the host nation of Morocco leads it. Other teams here include: Lesotho, Gabon and the Central African Republic. Sportblot now brings you and analyses of the profile and prospects of each of these nations so that you wouldn’t be surprised by their moves and how far they go during the biggest sporting event in Africa holding from December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026, in the Kingdom of Morocco.

The Atlas Lions of Morocco

Beyond being the hosts, Morocco enters the AFCON 2025 as one of the favorites, having won the tournament in 1976 and more recently became the first-ever African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals of the World Cup.  They were undoubtedly the most impressive team during the qualifiers, ending as the only side with a perfect six wins in six matches while scoring an incredible 26 goals.

However, the Atlas Lions have been struggling to establish dominance in African football. They finished as runners-up in 2004 with their best finish ever since being the quarterfinals. Morocco has emerged as a formidable side, a proof of which was them knocking out European champions Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With six wins from six qualifiers, 26 goals scored, and only two conceded, Morocco’s confidence and chances in this edition of CHAN is sky-high.

Key Players: This their bright prospect is bolstered by the squad featuring a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), and Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina) form the spine of a team that excels in creativity, defensive solidity, and transitional play. Younger players like Bilal El Khannouss are also poised to make an impact. Brahim Díaz, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Abde Ezzalzouli, Ismael Saibari and Adam Aznou are all examples of new arrivals since 2022 who look like they have been with the Atlas Lions long enough.

Morocco’s focus on long-term success and a devastating rapid style of play showcases this edition of CHAN as the time when the side will break the trend of uninspired football outing at the continental level.

Lesotho: The Underdogs

This smaller footballing nation will be up against an uphill battle in AFCON 2025. At the qualifying stages, Lesotho also known as the Crocodiles, was the lowest-ranked team to qualify directly for the AFCON qualifiers group stage (ranked 44th out of 53 at the time of the draw). They were the lowest-ranked side in group B, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Central African Republic in the first round of qualifiers.

Lesotho has always found itself in an underdog situation; this low expectation is what helps it to sometimes pull major upsets like when it secured a draw in an away match against Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier last November.

Having struggled to qualify for the 2025 tournament through disciplined teamwork and tactical organization, the Crocodiles will hope to continue with the strategy and formation that have so far worked for them. 

Key Players: Lesotho’s squad relies on domestic league players and a few foreign-based professionals like Motebang Sera, a prolific forward in the South African Premier Soccer League, is a key figure. Midfielder Tumelo Khutlang brings creativity and energy to the team. It should therefore be expected that the side’s line up will include the following: Owono; Ndong, Coco, Fernandez, Senra; Mascarell; Buyla, Ganet, Obiang, Salvador; Nlavo.

In the final analysis, while Lesotho is unlikely to progress far, their presence alone is a victory. They can play the role of spoilers in their group and gain invaluable experience for future tournaments.

Gabon: The Panthers

The Panthers missed out on the last AFCON but have qualified this time with 10 points, finishing second in Group B. The Panthers only dropped one point in matches against Central African Republic and Lesotho but lost both their matches to group winners Morocco by a combined 9-1 score.

The Gabonese possess a swift and aggressive attack but must improve defensively to make a deeper run in AFCON 2025, although some bookmarkers believe that the side will have a difficult task ahead to qualify for the knockout stages in Morocco.

Over the years, Gabon has been a competitive force in African football with their world-class talents. With veterans like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Olympique Marseille, Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC, and midfielder Mario Lemina of Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Panthers should be making a deep run during the championship.

In the last AFCON where they participated being the 2021 edition, Gabon reached the Round of 16, where they lost to Burkina Faso on penalties. The team demonstrated grit and flair, but inconsistencies in their gameplay hindered progress. Their 2023 qualifiers showed promise, with solid performances against strong opposition.

Apart from the veterans listed above including Guelor Kanga, there are young players who are finding their place in the Panthers like forwards Rody Effaghe and Shavy Babicka as well as dual national fullbacks Jacques Ekomié and Anthony Oyono. 

While Gabon packs a potent attack that is capable of troubling any defense, they have defensive frailties and a tendency to lose focus in crucial moments. The Panther’s physicality and pace are however significant assets.

Central African Republic: The Rising Stars Rings in Song ahead of AFCON

Rigobert Song

Reputed as the promising underdog, the qualification of Central African Republic for AFCON 2025 is historic and dramatic, marking the first time the "Les Fauves" (The Wild Beasts) will compete in the continental football showpiece. They eliminated football powerhouse Cameroon in the final round of qualifying

Powered by the country’s intentional development of football infrastructure and talent pipeline, the Central African Republic has proven to be a rising force in African football. Their qualification journey to Morocco was remarkable. Their triumph against Nigeria in the qualifiers underscored their fighting spirit and potential to compete at a higher level.

Coach Sébastien Ngato, led them to achieve Les Fauves to the qualification feat, said afterwards, "The qualification celebration is over, and now we must focus. Our immediate goal is to get out of the group stage and then see how far we can go in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and beyond. Winning just one match and stopping there is not our ambition."

CAR’s defensive organisation has been a cornerstone of their recent success as the team emphasizes disciplined defending and quick counter-attacks. They also rely on a solid midfield to regain possession and launch forward swiftly.

Their momentum will be revved and sustained by talents like forward Louis Mafouta (Quevilly-Rouen) and midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia (Olympique Marseille). This was even as the side has shown that it means business heading to AFCON 2025 with the appointment of former Liverpool and West Ham defender Rigobert Song has been appointed as the new head coach.

Song, who played a record 137 games for Cameroon during a 17-year international career, previously spent two years in charge of his homeland. What the new coach will be bringing on board forms part of CAR’s strengths. This will be complemented by the side’s youthful energy and fearless approach make them a dangerous opponent. 

While their tactical discipline and strong team spirit are additional advantages, The Wild Beasts would however be challenged by the lack of experience in major tournaments and limited squad depth. Adapting to the pressure and intensity of AFCON will be a steep learning curve, especially as the players try to get accustomed to their new manager.