KEY POINTS
- Only three teams have secured Round of 16 places ahead of final group games
- Most groups remain wide open with multiple qualification scenarios
- CAF expects late drama as matches are played simultaneously
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 enters a decisive phase on Monday as the final round of group-stage matches begins, with qualification still open for the majority of participating teams.
According to the Confederation of African Football, only three nations, Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria, have confirmed their places in the Round of 16 after winning their opening two group matches. The remaining knockout spots will be determined during the final set of group fixtures, which will be played across three days.
CAF said the closing matches will decide the top two teams in each group, who qualify automatically, as well as the best third-placed teams who will also advance to the knockout phase. CAF released the update under the title, “AFCON 2025: Final group games begin as knockout race tightens in Morocco.”
The football body emphasised that teams in each group will play their matches simultaneously to ensure fairness and heighten tension, a hallmark of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Group battles intensify across Morocco
In Group B, Egypt have already secured qualification with six points from two matches. However, the race for the remaining spots remains unresolved. South Africa sits second with three points and will face Zimbabwe, while Angola and Zimbabwe each hold one point.
Angola must beat Egypt and hope for favourable results elsewhere to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Group A also remains wide open. Host nation Morocco lead the group with four points but are yet to secure passage. Mali and Zambia both have two points, while Comoros trail with one. Morocco face Zambia, while Mali take on Comoros in matches that will ultimately determine who progresses.
On Tuesday, attention turns to Group C, where Nigeria have already booked their place in the knockout stage. The Super Eagles face Uganda in their final group match, while Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda remain in contention for progression depending on results.
Tight margins define remaining groups
Group D heads into the final round delicately balanced. Senegal and DR Congo are tied on four points, Benin have three, and Botswana are yet to pick up a point. Senegal face Benin in a potentially decisive clash, while DR Congo meet Botswana, with qualification scenarios still open.
The final group matches will conclude on Wednesday. In Group E, Algeria have already qualified, but Burkina Faso and Sudan are level on three points and will battle for the remaining automatic qualification place. In Group F, Cameroon and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire both have four points, while Mozambique remain in contention on three points despite Gabon’s elimination.
CAF noted that unpredictability remains a defining feature of the tournament. The governing body said the opening rounds have once again shown that AFCON rarely follows a predictable pattern, with late twists often shaping the outcome of the group stage.
As the final matches unfold, qualification scenarios will shift rapidly, placing pressure on teams, coaches and supporters alike. With pride, progression, and momentum on the line, teams will produce the high drama that defines Africa’s premier football competition in the closing group fixtures.
