Rabat – The eagerly awaited final draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has set the stage for a thrilling tournament, with the participating teams learning their group-stage opponents during a grand ceremony held at Mohammed V Theater in Rabat at 7 p.m. Moroccan time.
With 24 nations competing for continental glory, this edition of AFCON promises high-stakes encounters and the very best African football has to offer.
Numerous prominent figures graced the final draw for the event, including Morocco’s national team coach Walid Regragui, former coach Tarik Sektioui, football icon Marouane Chamakh, FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and several others.
Morocco welcomes the continent
Morocco is bracing for an unforgettable tournament as the host nation, a proud moment in its football history. The qualified teams are equally fired up, each aiming to claim the trophy and leave their footprint on one of Africa’s biggest stages.
Morocco fell in the same group as Mali, Zambia, and Comoros for the 2025 AFCON.
As the host nation, Morocco seeks to make a strong start in front of its home crowd, with high hopes of advancing deep into the tournament.
The group promises exciting matchups as the teams vie to take the cup home.
Group-by-group breakdown
The draw revealed captivating matchups across the six groups, setting the stage for an intense group phase:
– 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
The tournament format ensures fierce competition, with the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout stage.
This system guarantees that no team can afford to falter, as every match carries heavy weight.
Preparations and optimism
In his opening remarks, Fouzi Lekjaa, President of Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FRMF), warmly welcomed attendees to the AFCON 2025 draw. “We are happy to have you here in Morocco, your second home,” he said.
Lekjaa expressed pride in hosting the prestigious tournament, describing it as a momentous occasion for the country and the continent.
He assured that Morocco would provide the best facilities and experiences. “From the stadiums to logistics and the overall fan experience, we are committed to ensuring this tournament is a success,” he added.
Lekjaa also linked the tournament to Morocco’s larger vision for football. “AFCON 2025 is just the beginning. The 2030 World Cup will be a moment of pride, not only for Morocco but for Africa as a whole,” he said.
He closed with a call for unity and shared values. “Football is not a place for clashes or disputes. It is about healthy and constructive competition, and we are here to uphold these principles, especially for the younger generations,” he said.
Meanwhile, CAF President Patrice Motsepe spoke about football’s role in uniting Africa during the AFCON 2025 final draw. “Football brings Africa together, uniting people and showing the world that African football is on the rise,” he said.
He commended Morocco’s 2022 World Cup semi-final run as a proud moment for the continent. “It wasn’t just Morocco’s victory—it was a victory for all of Africa,” he said.
Motsepe also noted the honor of winning the AFCON, stressing: “Lifting the trophy and saying, ‘We are the best in Africa,’ means everything to players and their people.”
AFCON has long been a celebration of African football, and the 2025 edition in Morocco promises to deliver unforgettable moments.
From iconic stadiums in cities like Rabat, Fez, or Tangier to the passionate support of football fans, the stage is set for a tournament that will captivate the continent and football enthusiasts worldwide.
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