December 21st of 2025 marks the start of the 35th edition of the African Cup of Nations, almost 69 years after the opening edition.
Since 2019 the event
has 24 national sides, continuing to lack a 21st century vision, as
well as FIFA and the other football confederations, paving way to best third
spots which usually award sides that play just for the point. Until 2017 the
average draws were under 25 percent and since the inception of the 32 teams
with best thirds qualifications the draws grew, over 30 percent in 2019, almost
33 percent in 2021 and plus than 36 percent in 2023.
We have proposed a
32-side tournament with six teams per group, five group matches each and a top
four qualification for the last 16 or a top two qualification for last 8, it
would be a much fairer and interesting event, this extended to all football events
which use the best third criteria.
We will continue
battling for this change!
Half the world is
here! Clubs from 79 different countries are present through their players, from
the African sides to almost the entire European football, from 1st
to 4th or 5th tiers, to Asia, Western, Middle Eastern and
Far Eastern, to Australia, to America, from North to South! This shows the
magnitude of the African football growth and development throughout the world.
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Curiously, there are
24 nations present but the birthplace of the footballers goes way beyond that,
they were born in 43 different countries! 30 percent of the total players
called up were born in Europe, half of them in France, which accounts for 107
out of the 684 footballers present.
The average age range
from 25,43 of Zambia, 25,60 Cameroon, 25,97 Benin, 26,21 South Africa, 26,22
Mali, 26,47 Burkina Faso, 26,68 Ivory Coast, 26,84 Tanzania, 26,85 Algeria,
26,99 Comoros, 27,17 Equatorial Guinea, 27,31 Senegal, 27,36 Nigeria, 27,42
Morocco, 27,63 Gabon, 27,64 DR Congo, 27,76 Uganda, 27,90 Zimbabwe, 28,70
Tunisia, 28,73 Angola, 28,81 Sudan, 28,85 Egypt, 29,00 Mozambique, up to 30,08
of Botswana.
As host, Morocco takes
the advantage, the top four of the 2023 edition will have some challenges to
repeat the feat, Ivory Coast beat Nigeria in the final and South Africa and DR
Congo played for third spot, but 50 years after their first and last conquest,
1976, Morocco will do all to achieve the second continental title.
12 out of the 24
finalists have already won the tournament before.
Zimbabwe and
Mozambique will try to beat their low streak, 6th presence but never
went through the group stage, Tanzania will have its 4th, also never
passed the group stage.
Held in Morocco,
during winter, it will be a different tournament, perhaps more suitable for the
European-based players, who will not need to face further weather challenges,
but there’s the Christmas break who will be spent away from the family, playing
the tournament, this will favor the Northern African Muslim nations.
So, Morocco, Senegal,
Algeria, Tunisia, Mali will have the upper hand.
Matchday 1
The opening match of the competition saw host Morocco beat Comoros 2-0, with the island keeper still stopping a penalty but unable to prevent the expected home win. El Kaabi scored a bicycle kick for the second goal of the match, already candidate to goal of the tournament.
The second day of the first matchday saw Zambia getting a late draw against favorite Mali. Patson Daka netted the equalizer and kept Zambia chances open for the tournament.
Group B started with both matches ending in a 2-1 result, with South Africa beating Angola and Egypt only reaching the win in stoppage time by the inevitable Salah.
The third day of the 2025 African Cup of Nations saw no surprises. DR Congo did just enough to overcome minnows Benin with the only goal of the match being scored by Theo Bongonda. The Spartak Moscow Belgian-born attacker gave the important win for the opening match.
One of the favorites for the win, Senegal started the tournament with a comfortable win over Botswana, 3-0 with a double from Jackson to confirm the status.
Although a small advantage, Nigeria dominated the match and can only blame itself for not achieving a more comfortable win in this opening match of Group C.
Tunisia didn't stumble and controlled Uganda easily. French-connection was on full power with Skhiri opening the score and FC Copenhagen starlet - with little to none utilization at Vitória Guimarães - but who went on the shine in the Danish Superligaen and scoring a brace to assure an easy win for the Eagles of Carthage.
Rwandan side APR forward Denis Omedi gave Ugandan Cranes the consolation goal in injury time.
The 1st matchday ended with groups E and F. Burkina Faso saw Marvin Anieboh, Madrid-born Equatorial Guinean footballer giving an unexpected lead, with Equatorial Guinea already one man down, five minutes from the 90. The favorite side was losing five minutes into injury time but Ivory Coast-born MLS starlet Minougou tied the match and eight minutes into injury former Vitória Guimarães Edmond Tapsoba gave the win to Burkina Faso. It was a very close call.
Mbeumo assisted Etta Eyong for the one and only goal in the match that closed the first round of encounters. Cameroon - with several internal issues - scored early on and denied Gabon any chances of getting into the scoreboard.
As said before, preview to this and other competitions with this format, the second and third matchdays are all about points and not to grab a win, so draws are making up almost all of the matches, not a good sell and marketing for the former exciting African Cup of Nations.
After the opening win, Morocco grabbed advantaged in injury time during the first half from the spot, with Spanish-born Brahim Díaz giving the edge against Mali, but another penalty halfway through the second part saw Sinayoko tiying the match. With four points achieved Morocco is almost assured in the knockout round, even if they lose to Zambia in the third matchday.
It was a very disappointing Zambia who didn't pass a combative Comoros, however it was expected a win. With 2 points in two matches, Zambia will try to draw against Morocco and secure 3 points and a probable third best spot, but no flame, no ambition, no show. In a side that still plays essentially in Africa, this is their best window, showcase, for them, but aren't taking advantage of it.
There was some expectation towards Angola in this Afcon, but the side will have some trouble to qualify after failing to beat Zimbabwe. Gelson Dala opened the scoresheet midway through the opening half, but starlet Knowledge Musona tied the match in injury time of the first half, to grab a point, leaving both with only 1 point. Angola will have to beat Egypt to get a spot in the last 16.
One goal only also saw Benin achieved their first ever win in the Afcon, on their match 15 in the competition, with French-born Yohan Roche, who is playing in Romanian Petrolul Ploiesti, scoring against Botswana to let the Benin people dream of another qualification for the last 16.
The winners of matchday 1, Senegal and DR Congo, draw each other to get 4 points each and have a place almost booked in the last 16. Bakambu surprised the Teranga Lions on the hour mark but Sadio Mane tied the match less than 10 minutes after the opening goal.
Tunisia and Nigeria offered the best match of the second matchday so far, Osimhen gave Super Eagles the advantage on the half time, Ndidi double the advantage on the start of the second half and Lookman scored a third, appearing the Nigerian would be thrashing the Carthage Eagles, but Taibi first and Abdi on the 87th minute reduced and scared the West Africans however the result ended with 3-2 qualifying Nigeria for the next stage. The draw between the opening round losers saw Tunisia remain comfortable in the second spot with 3 points and all focused on securing the qualification in the last matchday.
An Eastern African duel in the African Cup of Nations is rare and Uganda and Tanzania levelled it against each other, Msuva scored from the 11 meter mark by the hour and Uganda Cranes draw by Ikpeazu on minute 80. Uganda had the chance to bag the win in injury time but Okello didn't score from the spot.
Playing in the Italian 4th tier, Faisal Bangal opened the score in the match between Gabon and Mozambique, giving Mambas a dream chance for their first Afcon win. Sporting CP Geny Catamo double the advantage from the penalty spot near the brek but major star Aubameyang reduced the difference in injury time of the opening half. Portuguese-born Diogo Calila scored the third for Mozambique and Moucketou-Moussounda, from Cyprus Aris, only managed to minimize the defeat. Mozambique went on to win their first ever match in the African Cup of Nations on the 17th match in the final stage.
Favorites Cameroon and Ivory Coast denied each other, making 4 points and both almost guaranteeing the qualification for the knockout rounds. It was an entertaining opening second half with Gil Vicente's left back Konan in evidence, assisting Amad Diallo for the Red Devils second goal in the tournament and miss fortuned with an own goal five minutes after the Ivorian goal.
After Egypt and Nigeria, Algeria got the third knockout spot with the second win in the tournament. Another penalty, the major goal point in the second matchday, gave Mahrez the chance to beat Burkina Faso and the Fennecs achieved the 6 points from 6.
With the goals scored in this second round Sadio Mane is now in the 8th place alltime with 10 goals, 8 behind leaded Samuel Eto'o, but just one behind top 5, which includes Egyptian Manager Hossam Hassan, Drogba and Mboma.
Salah and Mahrez are in the 15th group with nine goals and it's believable they will jump the scoring table in this event.
Matchday 3
As the previous round, matchday 3 started with little emotion and national teams aiming just the point, disappointing. Benin, Sudan and Mozambique or the third best of their groups already have qualification guaranteed with the finish of Group A and B as both 3rd placed only got two points, Comoros is already eliminated and Angola will have to pray for defeats of both Tanzania and Uganda in Group C to qualify for the last 16, again proving how wrong is this method of qualification.
A double from El Kaabi, who opened the scored before minute 10, and another finish from Spanish-Moroccan Brahím Díaz saw host Morocco thrash a very poor Zambia and top Group A.
Three matches, three draws, 2nd place for Mali in Group A showing it's advantageous with this arrangement not to be bold and just play for the point. They will now face the 2nd placed of Group C, likely Tunisia, which will be favorite in the tie. Mali will have to put much more on the pitch to get pass from the last 16.
After disappointing in the two matches before, Angola managed to cancel Egypt, but the goalless draw now makes the 'Palancas Negras' having to wait for the outcome of Group C and defeats for both Tanzania and Uganda in order to get the last ticket as best 3rd for the last 16 round.
Zimbabwe deserved a little more from this event. In matchday 3 they made South Africa sweat a lot and only a late penalty assured the South Africans the vital win.
Orlando Pirates striker Moremi gave the early lead but Scottish side Motherwell star Maswanhise tied the match before 20 minutes played. Lyle Foster edged the South African in the start of the 2nd half however an own goal levelled the score on the 73rd minute. Appollis from the mark in the last 10 minutes gave the win. Zimbabwe can leave with good feelings, South Africa may have some troubles in the knockout round.
Even before the last four matches of the event, we already know all the 16 qualified nations and this group stage have been booed for most nations aren't aiming the win.
Tunisia and Tanzania were satisfied with the draw, which qualified both of them and Angola was eliminated, deservedly, but Tanzania shouldn't have passed also. Has stated before here this format isn't a fair playable one, rewards the small points and doesn't push the teams for the win.
Former Sporting Braga French-born Gharbi opened the score near halftime from the penalty mark. Only three minutes into the second half Tanzanian Feisal Salum, still playing in his homeland for Azam, got the draw and the match ended with the entire stadium booing the lack of football, a sad example for the sport.Trabzonspor forward Onuachu opened the score for Nigeria and youngster Onyedika netted a brace to give the group win to Nigeria and leave Uganda out of the competition, as expected.
Group D saw no surprises and clear wins from Senegal and DR Congo, the first against Benin, to top the group, the latter against Botswana. Benin got one of the third best spots thanks to the win against Botswana.
With almost all decided and the 16 sides already qualified, the final group stage matches were more entertaining as national teams played for the group spot and best placement into the lasr 16.
An early and a late goal gave Burkina Faso the win against Sudan, who placed 3rd and also qualified for the knockout round.
Mozambique dreamt of beating Cameroon, Geny gave the early lead to Mambas, but an own goal and another from Kofane saw the West African reverse the match.
It was a very entertaining match between Ivory Coast and Gabon with Gabon doubling the edge before the half hour mark, but Ivorians reduced from Krasso just at half time and Operi accumulated two assists in the last 10 minutes, first for Guessand, then for Touré, to see Ivory Coast reverse the score, both matches of this group saw minnows grab edge but favorites comeback.
Last 16
Mali x Tunisia
It was expected that Tunisia would pass Mali with little or more difficulty, moreover after seeing a Malian get sent off and be ahead with a goal, but a late equalizer by Sinayoko took the match into extra time and the Carthage Eagles didn't qualify. Very poor performance so far. Mali tied all four matches, but is through.
Senegal x Sudan
Heavy favorite, Senegal was behind very early in the match opposing Sudan, but the Teranga Lions came through and netted three times to get into quarters, where they'll face Mali and given the opponent's performance they will be favorites to get into the last 4!
Egypt x Benin
Egypt was made to sweat facing Benin, which made the Pharaohs have to go into extra time to go through to the quarters, but the favorite side went through.
Ivory Coast x Burkina Faso
The next gen of Ivorians is taking over and Amad Diallo shone against Burkina Faso, scoring and assisting Yan Diomande, in the first half. Bazoumana Touré finished the the sheet.
South Africa x Cameroon
Cameroon beat South Africa with goals from youngsters Tchamadeu, English-born, and Bayer 04 starlet Kofane, not dropping even after conceding a late goal from Bafana Bafana.
Morocco x Tanzania
Brahím Díaz continues to shine high with host Morocco and the Lions of the Atlas overcame Tanzania, but with heavier problems than expected. The most important was the win, but it was expected an easier match for the home nation.
Algeria x DR Congo
Youngster Boulbina, a star who came through via Paradou AC and is shining in the Qatar Stars League, gave the win to Algeria almost at the end of extra time, in a match where Algeria faced obstacles to score.
Nigeria x Mozambique
After the historical qualification towards the last 16, Mozambique had no chance facing Nigeria, thrashing Mambas with a heavy 4-0 result.
Quarter Finals
Mali x Senegal
A single goal from French-born forward Iliman Ndiaye took the Teranga Lions into the semis. Mali went down to ten just before the break and the final result was made.
Cameroon x Morocco
Two goals and another scintillating performance from Brahím Díaz let host Morocco get into the last four, with Cameroon having chances but unable to make them count.
Two goals and another scintillating performance from Brahím Díaz let host Morocco get into the last four, with Cameroon having chances but unable to make them count.
The Fennecs were expecting to go all the way but Nigeria stand tall and Osimhen put on the mark. Nigeria breaks the Northern African domination and is still in the title race.
Egypt x Ivory Coast
It was a very entertaining first half between Egypt and Ivory Coast. Marmoush opened the sheet under five minutes gone, Rabia double the Pharaohs advantage on the half hour mark but an own goal put Ivorians back in the race for the match. Salah gave the double advantage again however Doué kept it open until the end, but the biggest African winner qualified for the semis.
Semi Finals
As anticipated here before the start of the event, the Northern African nations went almost completely in, only Algeria fail do qualify for the last four, in a very poor performance against Nigeria, the representative of the Guinea Gulf, of the Under Sahara nations, to make it to the last four.
Senegal x Egypt
It was a very close semi and Mane topped Salah in leading Senegal towards the final. Senegal prevailed, had more shots, more possession, it was the rightful winner.
Morocco x Nigeria
Morocco played the host well and dominated Nigeria, however the Lions of the Atlas weren't able to score and the match went to the penalty mark where the Northern Africans won. 21 years after the final reached Morocco again qualified for the golden match.
Senegal x Morocco
It was a frenetic final, chances, emotion, threats, a penalty after a great turmoil for the hosts, missed by Brahim Díaz, who was one of the top stars of the tournament, the match went on overtime and it was Senegal to score, a winning finalization from Pape Gueye to give Senegal the second ever trophy and the second in the last three editions in their third final in the last four events, a truly winning generation!
MWN Sport presented this image on Brahim Díaz, who won the Golden Boot, scoring five goals in the tournament.
Via Shinguards, Ademola Lookman was the top assistant. The Nigerian scored proudly and assisted efficiently.
Image from CAF site, to name Bounou as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
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