AFCON: Nigeria to face Tunisia as Salah-led Egypt battles South Africa [Full draw]

The stage is set for an electrifying 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as Nigeria, led by Ademola Lookman, squares off against Tunisia, while Mohamed Salah’s Egypt takes on South Africa.

The draw, held in Rabat on Monday, unveiled a highly competitive lineup for the tournament, which kicks off on December 21 in Morocco.

Host nation Morocco will open the 24-team tournament against Comoros, known for their reputation as giant killers. Defending champions Ivory Coast are set for a challenging start as they take on five-time winners Cameroon in one of the group-stage highlights.

The tournament also features intriguing matchups like war-torn Sudan versus Algeria, while Senegal, powered by its star-studded lineup, will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in another eagerly anticipated clash.

Egypt, the seven-time champions led by Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, will aim to break their AFCON title drought. Salah, who came close in 2017 and 2022 with runner-up finishes, will lead the Pharaohs in Group B against South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, Nigeria, last year’s runners-up, are poised for another strong campaign. The Super Eagles, with an attacking lineup featuring African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Tunisia is making a record 17th consecutive AFCON appearance, adding more excitement to the group.

Reigning champions Ivory Coast are drawn in Group F alongside Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. They’ll look to Amad Diallo, who recently delivered a stunning hat-trick for Manchester United, to spearhead their campaign.

Morocco, with stars like Achraf Hakimi of PSG, will aim to become the fourth host nation to lift the trophy this century. Only Tunisia (2004), Egypt (2006), and Ivory Coast (2024) have achieved this feat in the past two decades.

CAF President Patrick Motsepe expressed confidence in the tournament, stating, “I am extremely excited about the AFCON in Morocco — it is going to be the most successful yet.”

Originally slated for mid-2025, the tournament was rescheduled to avoid a clash with the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Hosting AFCON also serves as a warm-up for Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

Group Stage Draw

Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

Key Dates

Group Stage: Dec 21–31, 2025 (excluding Dec 25)

Round of 16: Jan 3–6, 2026

Quarter-finals: Jan 9–10, 2026

Semi-finals: Jan 14, 2026

3rd Place Match: Jan 17, 2026

Final: Jan 18, 2026

The countdown to Africa’s most prestigious football tournament begins, promising thrilling action and unforgettable moments.