The final round of group-stage matches at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 gets underway on Monday, with qualification scenarios still wide open and tension building across the tournament.
Only three teams — Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria — have secured their places in the Round of 16 after winning their opening two matches. For the rest of the field, the final group games will determine who qualifies automatically as top-two finishers and which teams can stay alive through the best third-placed rankings.
With simultaneous kick-offs scheduled across the groups, the familiar AFCON promise of late twists and last-minute drama is firmly intact.
Group B sees Egypt already safely through on six points, but the battle behind them remains intense. South Africa, second on three points, know that victory over Zimbabwe will guarantee progression. Angola and Zimbabwe are both on one point, and Angola must defeat Egypt while hoping for a favourable result elsewhere. With goal difference finely balanced, the margins could prove decisive.
In Group A, hosts Morocco top the standings on four points but are far from secure. Mali and Zambia are level on two points, with Comoros still in contention on one. Morocco face Zambia in a potentially tricky encounter, while Mali must avoid any slip-up against Comoros in what could become a direct shootout for qualification.
The tension continues on Tuesday in Group C, where Nigeria, already qualified, face Uganda. Tunisia, sitting on three points, target victory against Tanzania, but both Tanzania and Uganda remain capable of forcing their way into the knockout stage, ensuring there is little room for error.
Group D presents one of the tightest races of the tournament. Senegal and DR Congo share top spot on four points, Benin are close behind on three, and Botswana are still searching for their first point. DR Congo will be favourites against Botswana, but Senegal’s clash with Benin carries significant jeopardy, with first place, automatic qualification, and even elimination still possible depending on results.
Wednesday brings the final chapter of the group phase. In Group E, Algeria are already through but could influence who joins them, with Burkina Faso and Sudan locked on three points and separated by narrow margins.
Group F is equally poised. Cameroon and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire are tied on four points, while Mozambique, on three, remain well placed to disrupt the order. Gabon, though eliminated, could still play spoiler in the final round.
If the opening two matchdays have offered any lesson, it is that AFCON rarely follows a predictable script. Spread across three days, the final group fixtures are set to deliver decisive moments, heartbreak, and celebration as the road to the knockout stages reaches its climax.
Final round of 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
