Monday evening marks a crucial day in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with multiple high-stakes matches that could shape the road to Morocco. Uganda’s Cranes take on Congo in Kampala, while Ghana is in desperate need of redemption after a shock defeat. As the AFCON journey intensifies, fans across Africa are eager to see how the teams fare in the second round of qualifying fixtures.
Uganda Looks to Build on Strong Performance Against South Africa
After a hard-fought 2-2 draw in their opener against South Africa, Uganda’s Cranes are set to host Congo in a vital match. Head coach Paul Put emphasized the importance of building on their draw, saying, “The point we earned in South Africa will only matter if we beat Congo on Monday.”
Uganda, playing at home in Kampala, will need to channel the momentum from their last game to secure a much-needed three points. The team showed resilience against South Africa, coming from behind to claim a draw, but now they must show their attacking prowess to get past Congo, who come into this game on a high after a 1-0 victory over South Sudan.
Congo’s recent form makes them dangerous opponents. Their tight defense and ability to capitalize on key moments give them an edge as they aim to secure another win. With both teams hungry for victory, this clash promises to be a thrilling contest.
Ghana Looks for Redemption Against Niger After Angola Defeat
Ghana’s Black Stars find themselves in unfamiliar territory after a shocking 1-0 loss to Angola. The defeat put pressure on coach Otto Addo, who now faces a must-win scenario against Niger. Ghana, one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses, is expected to bounce back, but they will need to significantly improve their performance to regain their status as group favorites.
“We know what is at stake,” Addo said. “The loss to Angola was disappointing, but we have a chance to make things right against Niger.”
Ghana will rely on key players like Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus to guide them to victory. Partey’s leadership and Kudus’ creative spark will be crucial in breaking down Niger’s defense, which has proven resilient. Niger is also looking to recover from a 1-0 loss to Sudan, making this a pivotal match for both teams.
Senegal Determined to Get Back on Track Against Burundi
Senegal, the 2021 AFCON champions, are eager to get their qualification campaign back on track after a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso. The Teranga Lions, led by coach Aliou Cissé, will face Burundi in a must-win match to regain control of Group L.
Despite the draw, Senegal remains confident in their ability to qualify, and Cissé will be looking to Sadio Mané and other star players to deliver. “We understand the importance of this game. It’s crucial to win and regain momentum,” Cissé stated.
Burundi, however, will not be easy opponents. They currently top Group L after an impressive 3-2 away win over Malawi, and they will be eager to continue their strong form against the reigning champions.
Morocco Hosts Lesotho in a Routine Match
Already qualified as hosts, Morocco faces Lesotho in a match expected to go in the Atlas Lions’ favor. Though the stakes are not as high for Morocco, head coach Walid Regragui is taking the game seriously, seeing it as an opportunity to maintain the team’s sharpness ahead of the main tournament in 2025.
“Every game is a chance to improve and prepare for the tournament. We will approach this match with full focus,” Regragui emphasized.
Lesotho, while the underdog, will look to make the most of their opportunity to challenge a strong Moroccan side. For Morocco, the game offers a chance to rotate players and experiment with different tactics, while also keeping their competitive edge sharp.
Other Key Matches in Monday’s AFCON Fixtures
While Uganda vs. Congo and Ghana vs. Niger will draw much attention, several other crucial AFCON qualifiers are set to take place on Monday:
- Ethiopia vs. DR Congo: Ethiopia will host DR Congo in a Group J fixture, with both teams eager to gain a foothold in the qualification race. DR Congo, led by a new generation of players, will be hoping for a strong away performance to boost their qualification chances.
- Equatorial Guinea vs. Togo: Equatorial Guinea will look to continue their impressive form at home as they host Togo. Both teams will aim for maximum points in what promises to be a tightly contested affair.
- Madagascar vs. Comoros Islands: In this Group B matchup, Madagascar hosts the Comoros Islands in a game where both sides will be fighting for crucial points. Madagascar has shown promise in recent years, but they will face a determined Comoros side looking to make a mark in the qualifiers.
What’s at Stake for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers?
As the road to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continues, each match becomes increasingly critical. The second round of qualifiers could either solidify teams’ positions at the top of their groups or leave them scrambling to recover lost ground.
For teams like Uganda, Ghana, and Senegal, securing maximum points on Monday is essential for keeping their qualification hopes alive. For teams like Morocco, it’s a chance to fine-tune their squads ahead of the tournament.
Fans across the continent will be eagerly watching to see how their teams perform in these crucial matchups. With some of Africa’s top players in action, Monday’s fixtures promise to deliver excitement and drama as the journey to Morocco heats up.
Conclusion: High-Stakes Matches as AFCON Qualification Continues
As the 2025 AFCON qualifiers roll into their second round, teams are fighting for crucial points to secure their place in the tournament. Uganda will look to build on their solid draw against South Africa as they host Congo, while Ghana is desperate for redemption against Niger after a shocking loss to Angola.
With matches featuring Senegal, Morocco, and several other African powerhouses, Monday’s games will play a pivotal role in shaping the road to Morocco. For teams in must-win situations, the pressure is on to perform, and fans can expect a thrilling evening of African football.
