The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has officially begun in Morocco, featuring 24 teams competing for the title. This edition is especially noteworthy because it serves as a precursor to the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co‑host. In preparation, the country has launched one of the most aggressive infrastructure development programs in African sporting history.
Defending champions Ivory Coast, who won the tournament on home soil in the previous edition, will face stiff competition from Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt and other contenders. Senegal, the 2021 AFCON winner, returns as a strong candidate, while Egypt aims to claim a record‑extending eighth continental crown despite ongoing speculation about Mohamed Salah’s future.
The teams are divided into six groups:
– Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
– Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
– Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
– Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
– Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
– Group F: Cameroon, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique
As the tournament kicks off, Rabat’s atmosphere is electric, with fans gathering in the expansive fan zone despite cold, rainy weather. Moroccan supporters are confident, looking to star defender Achraf Hakimi to make a decisive impact. The underdogs from Comoros, qualifying for only their second AFCON, are eager to seize the moment.
The opening match of AFCON 2025 is set for 8 p.m. CAT/CET, marking the start of a new chapter in African football history. Nearly 70,000 spectators are expected at Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium for the kickoff. As the continent’s premier football tournament unfolds, all eyes are on the participating teams, and the world watches with bated breath to see who will emerge victorious.
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