The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco transitions into its most critical phase this Monday, as the final round of group-stage fixtures determines the remaining participants for the knockout stage. While the intensity of the competition reaches a peak, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that only Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria have mathematically secured their advancement following two consecutive victories.
The remaining slots remain vacant, awaiting the outcome of simultaneous matches designed to maintain competitive integrity and dramatic tension across the host cities.
CAF officially outlined the qualification pathways in a press release on Monday titled, “AFCON 2025: Final group games begin as knockout race tightens in Morocco.” The governing body explained that the top two finishers in each group will earn automatic tickets to the Round of 16, while the four most successful third-placed teams will also progress. This structure ensures that nearly every nation remains active in the hunt for continental glory, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes encounters over the next three days.
“The final round of group-stage matches at the TotalEnergies 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,” the statement read.
Group B kicks off the action on Monday with Egypt already qualified at the top with six points. South Africa currently occupies the second spot with three points and faces a decisive match against Zimbabwe, who sit on one point alongside Angola. In Group A, host nation Morocco leads with four points but faces a challenge from Zambia and Mali, who both hold two points, while Comoros remains a threat with one point.
Tuesday brings Group C and D into focus, where Nigeria takes on Uganda and a desperate Tunisia battles Tanzania. Meanwhile, Senegal and DR Congo lead Group D with four points each, closely followed by Benin with three points. The group stage concludes on Wednesday as Cameroon and Ivory Coast battle for supremacy in Group F, while Burkina Faso and Sudan fight for the final available spot in Group E behind the already-qualified Algeria.
Final Round Group-Stage Fixtures (All times 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
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