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AFCON 2025: Final group games begin today as knockout race tightens

Graphic.com.gh Sports News Dec - 29 - 2025 , 13:11 2 minutes read

The final round of group-stage matches at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 gets under way on Monday, December 29, with qualification still wide open for much of the field and the tournament’s trademark late drama very much in play.

Three teams have already secured their places in the Round of 16 after winning their opening two matches: Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria.

For the rest, the final group fixtures will determine not only who finishes in the top two and qualifies automatically, but also which sides can extend their campaigns through the race for the best third-placed spots.

Monday’s programme sets the tone immediately, with simultaneous kick-offs designed to heighten the tension.

In Group B, Egypt’s perfect start has carried them safely through on six points, but the battle behind them remains fierce. South Africa sit second on three points and know victory over Zimbabwe would guarantee progress, while Angola — level on one point with Zimbabwe — must upset Egypt and hope results elsewhere fall in their favour.

With goal difference finely balanced, even a single swing could prove decisive.

Group A is equally poised. Hosts Morocco lead on four points but are far from secure. Mali and Zambia are locked together on two points, with Comoros still in contention on one.

Monday night’s fixtures could reshape the standings entirely, as Morocco face a resilient Zambia side while Mali cannot afford any slip against Comoros in what could become a straight shootout for qualification.

The tension continues on Tuesday in Group C. Nigeria are already through and face Uganda, while Tunisia, on three points, must take care of business against Tanzania. With both Tanzania and Uganda still capable of mounting late pushes, there is little room for complacency.

Group D presents a classic final-day squeeze. Senegal and DR Congo share top spot on four points, Benin are close behind on three, and Botswana remain in search of their first point.

DR Congo will expect opportunities against Botswana, but Senegal’s clash with Benin carries clear jeopardy, with first place, automatic qualification and elimination all still possible depending on the outcome.

The group phase concludes on Wednesday. Algeria, already through from Group E, could yet shape the destiny of others, with Burkina Faso and Sudan level on three points and separated by the finest of margins.

In Group F, Cameroon and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire are level on four points, while Mozambique remain within striking distance on three, ensuring a potentially dramatic finale despite Gabon’s elimination.

If the opening two rounds have shown anything, it is that AFCON rarely follows a script.

With the final group games spread across three days, the tournament appears set for more decisive twists before the knockout stage begins.