What to Expect from Group A Teams in Morocco

The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is unarguably one of the most outstanding sporting event from the continent which is enjoy by the rest of the world. It won’t be any different with this year’s edition running from December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026 in Morocco. Right from the qualifying rounds that produced the 24 finalists, the excitement was palpable. This points to how electrifying the atmosphere will be at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, the Marrakech Stadium, Adrar Stadium in Agadir and Fez Stadium, in Fez. 

Group A, which has been identified as the tightest to call, packs Tunisia, Madagascar, Comoros and the Gambia. Leaders Tunisia are a point ahead of Comoros and two in front of The Gambia, with outsiders Madagascar further back. Sportblot now brings an in-depth review and analysis of the performances of the qualified teams from Group A so that you can know what to expect from the football showpiece. 

Tunisia: The Carthage Eagles Soar Again

Tunisia, a stalwart in African football, lived up to expectations by securing qualification for their 22nd AFCON appearance.

The Carthage Eagles, who are chasing a record-extending 17th successive appearance at the finals, ran a campaign that was marked by tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and moments of attacking brilliance. Between 2010 and 2023, they reached quarterfinals four times but fail to make it to the round of 16, three times, including the 2023 edition.

Qualification Journey

The Carthage Eagles began their campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Madagascar, showcasing their attacking prowess. Subsequent matches included a hard-fought 1-0 win against Gambia and a 1-1 draw with Comoros. However the ability of Tunisia to secure points both home and away was instrumental in topping the group.

Key Players and Tactical Approach

The Tunisian side under the guidance of Mondher Kebaier following the ouster of veteran coach Faouzi Benzarti, employed a balanced 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing ball control and quick transitions. Midfield maestro Ellyes Skhiri was pivotal in dictating the tempo, while forward Wahbi Khazri provided the creative spark and goal-scoring threat. Defensively, Yassine Meriah marshaled the backline with authority, contributing to Tunisia's impressive defensive record.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Tunisia's strengths lie in their cohesive team play, tactical flexibility, and experience on the continental stage. However, their occasional struggles to break down resolute defenses suggest a need for more creativity in the final third. Addressing this could enhance their prospects in the tournament proper.

Comoros: The Island Nation's Remarkable Feat

Comoros, making only their second AFCON appearance, is one of the tournament’s most exciting stories. Their qualification for AFCON 2025 reflects the growth of football in smaller African nations. The Les Coelacantes picked up two impressive draws against Gambia and Madagascar, placing them second behind Tunisia in Group A.

Credit: Sportsmole

Qualification Journey

Comoros began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Gambia, demonstrating resilience and tactical awareness. A crucial 2-1 victory over Madagascar and a commendable 1-1 draw with Tunisia highlighted their ability to compete with higher-ranked teams. Their disciplined approach and capacity to secure points away from home were key factors in their successful qualification. 

Key Players and Tactical Approach

Comoros will, in this tournament be relying on Troyes midfielder Youssouf Yacoub M’Changama who was instrumental to the island nation’s victory in both games referenced above. The 34-year-old opened the scoring in the 1-1 draw with Gambia before netting a 41st-minute equaliser in another 1-1 draw away at Madagascar.

Coach Amir Abdou's tactical acumen was evident as he set up the team in a compact 4-4-2 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and swift counter-attacks. Captain and defender Nadjim Abdou led by example, providing leadership and experience. Forward El Fardou Ben Nabouhane was instrumental in attack, contributing crucial goals and assists throughout the qualifiers.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Comoros' strengths include their defensive organization, team spirit, and effective counter-attacking play. Utilizing their pace and precision, Comoros is highly effective on the break. El Fardou Ben Nabouhane’s sharpness in front of goal and Nasser Chamed’s creativity make them dangerous in transition. However, their limited experience in major tournaments could pose challenges. Gaining exposure to high-level competition and maintaining their current trajectory will be essential for a successful AFCON debut. Also, a lack of depth in the squad could prove challenging, especially if injuries or suspensions arise during the tournament.

Prospects: Comoros enters AFCON 2025 as an underdog but with the potential to cause upsets. Therefore, their opponents will underestimate them at their own peril. The islanders’ disciplined approach and counter-attacking prowess make them a threat to any opponent. Advancing to the knockout stages would be a historic achievement, but to achieve this, they must maximize their defensive resilience and capitalize on limited chances.

The Gambia: Can this Scorpion Sting in AFCON 2025?

Credit: GFF Media

When it comes to football in Africa, the Gambia, also known as "The Scorpions,” usually comes across as the underdog. The Gambia qualified for its second AFCON by finishing second behind Mali in a group that also had Congo and South Sudan. 

The West African country made its AFCON debut in 2021, yet exceeded expectations by reaching the quarterfinals, defeating more established teams such as Tunisia along the way. The Gambia’s progress can be attributed to the growing influence of players competing in European leagues with Coach Tom Saintfiet providing strategic leadership. The Belgian manager’s emphasis on defensive organization and counterattacking play has proven effective against more experienced opponents.

Gambia’s recent performances in qualifiers and friendly matches suggest a team on the rise. Their squad is built around a mix of youthful talent and experienced players, many of who ply their craft in Europe’s competitive leagues. 

Key players: The enterprise of Yankouba Minteh at Brighton is a perfect statement that The Scorpions are in the rise. There is also Forward Musa Barrow who plays for Al-Arabi SC in Qatar. Barrow’s technical ability and eye for goal make him a pivotal figure in Gambia’s attacking setup.

Midfielder Ebrima Darboe is a product of AS Roma’s youth academy, Darboe brings composure and creativity to the midfield. The team will also benefit from Defender Omar Colley, the experienced center-back, who plays for Beşiktaş in Turkey, and will be expected to provide leadership and solid defense for the Scorpions.

Under Tom Saintfiet’s guidance, Gambia’s style of play emphasizes defensive solidity, quick transitions, and clinical finishing. While this approach can neutralize stronger teams, the lack of depth in the squad remains a challenge. Injuries or suspensions to key players could significantly impact their chances.

The Scorpions enter AFCON 2025 with optimism, buoyed by their improving performances in qualifiers. Their ability to punch above their weight against higher-ranked teams makes them the dark horse that can cause a major upset in the tournament. The extent they can go will however be dependent on: Defensive Discipline: Gambia’s ability to stay compact and frustrate opponents will be crucial, particularly against teams with superior attacking firepower. Capitalizing on Counterattacks: With players like Barrow leading the charge, Gambia’s counterattacking prowess could prove decisive. Reserve Squad: Developing a deeper pool of talent to mitigate the impact of injuries or suspensions will be vital.

If Gambia can replicate the form that saw them reach the quarterfinals in 2021, they have the potential to make another deep run. However, navigating the group stage and avoiding complacency will be key.

Madagascar: Fans Expecting Encore of 2019 Cinderella

Nicknamed "The Barea," Madagascar’s strength lies in their ability to play as a cohesive unit. Their midfielders and forwards are adept at quick interplay, while their defenders are disciplined in maintaining shape. In 2024, Madagascar only lost once, registering two wins and holding Mali to a goalless draw. They even beat Comoros 2-1 back in June.

One of the things The Barea has going for them is their blend of local talent and players with dual nationality who bring experience from European leagues. Prominent among these are:

• Ibrahim Amada (Midfielder): A veteran presence in midfield, Amada’s passing range and tactical intelligence are crucial for the team’s buildup play.
• Nicolas Dupuis (Coach): Having returned to lead the team, Dupuis’ familiarity with the squad and tactical acumen will be instrumental in shaping their campaign.
• Jerôme Mombris (Defender): His versatility and defensive stability provide options for the team’s backline.

A favorable group stage draw could pave the way for Madagascar to progress to the knockout stages of AFCON 2025. However, their success will largely depend on the team’s ability to execute their game plan under pressure. Indeed, the team’s prospects for AFCON 2025 will depend on their ability to reenact their 2019 Cinderella story. This was when they went beyond qualifying for their first-ever AFCON into making a stunning run to the quarterfinals, defeating Nigeria in the group stage and eliminating the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 16. Under the leadership of Coach Nicolas Dupuis, Madagascar’s team structure emphasized midfield creativity and attacking flair.

However, the team which Madagascar is taken to AFCON 2025 has the following key strengths which will determine how far they will go in the tourney:

• Midfield Creativity: The Barea’s ability to control games through their midfield will be a determining factor. Players like Amada and Carolus Andriamatsinoro need to be at their best.
• Defensive Resilience: Against stronger teams, maintaining defensive organization will be critical to avoiding heavy defeats.
• Consistency: Madagascar’s tendency to alternate between impressive performances and lackluster outings must be addressed.
• Unity: The Barea’s strength lies in their teamwork and ability to rise to the occasion. Their Cinderella run in 2019 serves as a reminder that they can upset the odds when underestimated.