AFCON 2025: Final Group Matches Set for High-Stakes Drama in Morocco
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, enters a decisive phase on Monday, December 29, as the final round of group-stage matches gets under way, with qualification still hanging in the balance for most of the contenders. True to AFCON tradition, late drama is firmly on the agenda.
So far, only three teams; Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria have secured their places in the Round of 16 after winning their opening two matches. For the remaining sides, the final group games will determine who finishes in the top two and qualifies automatically, and who must rely on the fiercely competitive race for the best third-placed slots.
Monday: Tension Peaks Early
The final round opens with simultaneous kick-offs on Monday, immediately raising the stakes.
In Group B, Egypt’s flawless start has taken them safely through with six points, but the battle behind them remains wide open. South Africa, second on three points, know that a win over Zimbabwe guarantees qualification. Angola, level on one point with Zimbabwe, face the daunting task of upsetting Egypt while hoping for favourable results elsewhere. With goal difference tight, even a single goal could prove decisive.
Over in Group A, hosts Morocco top the table on four points but are far from secure. Mali and Zambia are level on two points, while Comoros still harbour hopes on one. Morocco face a resilient Zambian side in the evening kick-off, while Mali cannot afford any slip against Comoros in what could become a straight contest for progression.
Tuesday: No Room for Complacency
The drama continues on Tuesday in Group C, where already-qualified Nigeria take on Uganda. That fixture leaves Tunisia, on three points, needing a positive result against Tanzania. With both Tanzania and Uganda still capable of pushing for qualification through a strong finish, complacency could be costly.
In Group D, the mathematics point to a classic final-day squeeze. Senegal and DR Congo share the lead on four points, Benin sit just behind on three, and Botswana are still searching for their first point. DR Congo will target maximum points against Botswana, but Senegal’s clash with Benin carries huge jeopardy — with first place, automatic qualification, and even elimination all still possible outcomes.
Wednesday: Final Decisions
The group phase concludes on Wednesday with crucial encounters in Groups E and F.
In Group E, Algeria are already through but could still shape the destiny of others. Burkina Faso and Sudan are locked on three points, separated only by the finest margins, as they battle for the remaining qualification spot.
Meanwhile, Group F promises a thrilling finish. Cameroon and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire are level on four points, with Mozambique just one point behind and still very much in contention—despite Gabon already being eliminated. The final evening could yet descend into a three-way scramble for survival.
Expect the Unexpected
If the opening two rounds have offered any lesson, it is that AFCON rarely follows a predictable script. With qualification, pride and momentum all at stake, the final group matches spread across three days are primed to deliver decisive twists and the kind of drama that defines Africa’s premier football tournament.
Final Group-Stage Fixtures (GMT)
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
As AFCON 2025 heads toward the knockout stages, the margins are thin, the pressure immense and the drama, guaranteed.