The Africa Cup of Nations, commonly referred to as AFCON, has officially commenced in Morocco, with 24 teams vying for the top spot in the tournament. This edition of AFCON is particularly significant, as it serves as a precursor to the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco is slated to co-host. In preparation for the tournament, Morocco has undertaken a substantial infrastructure development program, one of the most aggressive in African sporting history.
Defending champion Ivory Coast, who won the title as the host nation in the previous edition, will face stiff competition from other participating teams, including Nigeria, Senegal, and Egypt. Senegal, the 2021 AFCON winner, is again a strong contender, while Egypt aims to secure a record-extending eighth continental crown, despite speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future.
The teams have been divided into six groups: Group A comprises Morocco, Mali, Zambia, and Comoros; Group B includes Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe; Group C consists of Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania; Group D features Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana; Group E comprises Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan; and Group F includes Cameroon, Gabon, Ivory Coast, and Mozambique.
As the tournament kicks off, the atmosphere in Rabat is electric, with fans gathered in the vast fan zone, eagerly awaiting the start of the matches. Despite the cold and rainy weather, Moroccan supporters are confident of their team’s chances, with star defender Achraf Hakimi set to play a crucial role. Comoros, the underdogs, are embracing the moment, having qualified for only their second AFCON, and are determined to make the most of this opportunity.
The first match of AFCON 2025 is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. CAT and CET, marking the beginning of another chapter in African football history. The tournament is expected to attract significant attention, with nearly 70,000 fans set to attend the opening match at Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium. As the continent’s biggest football tournament gets underway, all eyes are on the participating teams, and the world waits with bated breath to see which team will emerge victorious.