South Africa will battle Mohamed Salah-led Egypt, while Nigeria, inspired by Ademola Lookman, will clash with Tunisia following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations draw held in Rabat on Monday

Hosts Morocco will kick off the 24-team tournament against Comoros, known for their giant-killing feats, on December 21. Reigning champions Ivory Coast will face five-time winners Cameroon in another highlight fixture.
War-torn Sudan was drawn against Algeria, while a showdown between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo promises to be another group-stage highlight.
Prolific Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, despite his numerous honors, is yet to win the AFCON title. His closest attempts were runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2022. Egypt, the record seven-time champions, will also face Angola and Zimbabwe in Group B.
Nigeria, runners-up last year, boast an impressive attack featuring African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman and his predecessor Victor Osimhen. They are drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, who will be making their record 17th consecutive AFCON appearance, as well as Uganda and Tanzania.
Ivory Coast, who will meet Gabon and Mozambique in Group F, will likely rely on Amad Diallo, fresh off a hat-trick for Manchester United.
Morocco, with stars like PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, aim to become the fourth host to lift the trophy this century. Only Tunisia (2004), Egypt (2006), and Ivory Coast (2024) have achieved this feat.
CAF President Patrick Motsepe expressed optimism about the event, saying, “I am extremely excited about the AFCON in Morocco — it is going to be the most successful yet.”
Originally scheduled for mid-2025, the tournament was rescheduled to avoid clashing with the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Morocco also views hosting AFCON as part of its preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Group Stage Draw:
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: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Key Date
Group Stage: Dec 21–31 (excluding Dec 25)
Round of 16: Jan 3–6, 2026
Quarter-finals: Jan 9–10
Semi-finals: Jan 14
3rd Place Match: Jan 17
Final: Jan 18
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Good luck to them