The final round of group-stage matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 gets under way on Monday with qualification still on the line for most of the field — and the familiar AFCON promise of late drama firmly intact.
Three teams have already booked their places in the Round of 16 after winning their opening two matches: Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria. For everyone else, the final group games will decide not only who finishes in the top two and qualifies automatically, but also which sides can keep their hopes alive through the race for the best third-placed spots.
Monday’s schedule sets the tone immediately, with simultaneous kick-offs set to heighten the tension.
In Group B, Egypt’s perfect start has put them clear on six points and safely through, but there is still plenty at stake behind them. South Africa sits second on three points and knows that victory over Zimbabwe would remove any doubt, while Angola, level on one point with Zimbabwe, must upset Egypt and hope results elsewhere fall their way. With the goal difference tight, a single swing could be decisive.
In Group A, hosts Morocco have handled expectations well and top the group on four points, but they are not home free. Mali and Zambia are locked together on two points, with Comoros still in contention on one, and Monday night brings two games that could turn the group upside down. Morocco faces a Zambia side that has already shown it can dig deep, while Mali cannot afford a slip against Comoros in a match that may become a straight shootout for progression.
The tension rises again on Tuesday as Nigeria, already qualified from Group C, takes on Uganda. That leaves Tunisia, on three points, aiming to do the job against Tanzania — but with both Tanzania and Uganda still capable of snatching a place through a strong finish, there is no margin for complacency.
In Group D, the numbers suggest a classic final-day squeeze: Senegal and DR Congo are level on four points, Benin are just one behind on three, and Botswana are chasing a first point. DR Congo will expect opportunities against Botswana, but Senegal’s meeting with Benin carries obvious jeopardy — with first place, automatic qualification and potential elimination all still possible outcomes depending on the results.
Wednesday brings the closing chapter of the group phase. Algeria, already through from Group E, could yet influence who joins them, with Burkina Faso and Sudan level on three points and separated by fine margins.
In Group F, Cameroon and defending champions Cote d’Ivoire are level on four points, while Mozambique remain close enough on three to turn the final evening into a scramble — even with Gabon already eliminated.
If the opening two rounds have taught anything, it is that AFCON rarely follows a script.
The final group games, spread across three days, look set to deliver the decisive twists.
Monday, 29 December
16:00 — Angola vs Egypt
16:00 — Zimbabwe vs South Africa
19:00 — Zambia vs Morocco
19:00 — Comoros vs Mali
Tuesday, 30 December
16:00 — Uganda vs Nigeria
16:00 — Tanzania vs Tunisia
19:00 — Benin vs Senegal
19:00 — Botswana vs DR Congo
Wednesday, 31 December
16:00 — Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria
16:00 — Sudan vs Burkina Faso
19:00 — Gabon vs Côte d’Ivoire
19:00 — Mozambique vs Cameroon
Courtesy of Cafonline.com
