The highly anticipated draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been completed, unveiling a tantalizing East African derby as Uganda and Tanzania are set to clash in Group C of the tournament. The draw, conducted at the iconic Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, has set the stage for one of the most competitive AFCON tournaments to date.
The 35th edition of Africa’s premier football competition will kick off on Sunday, 21 December 2025, with the grand final scheduled for Sunday, 18 January 2026. Hosted by Morocco, the tournament promises to showcase the best of African football with 24 teams vying for continental glory.
Group C: East African Derby Takes Center Stage
Uganda and Tanzania’s pairing in Group C is already creating a buzz among fans. Uganda, returning to the tournament after a six-year hiatus, will face their regional rivals Tanzania, who are making history with their first-ever back-to-back qualification for the AFCON.
Group C is rounded out by Tunisia, a team making its 17th consecutive appearance in the tournament, and Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions and perennial favorites.
A Historic Rivalry
The Uganda-Tanzania matchup promises to be one of the highlights of the group stage, with both teams eager to prove their dominance in the region. Uganda, known as the Cranes, will look to capitalize on their experience and tactical discipline, while Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, buoyed by their recent success, will aim to cement their place among Africa’s elite.
Group Stage Draw: A Breakdown
The AFCON 2025 draw features 24 teams divided into six groups. With 12 nations having previously lifted the trophy, the competition is set to be fierce. Here’s how the groups stack up:
Group A: Hosts Morocco Eye Strong Start
- Morocco
- Mali
- Zambia
- Comoros
As hosts, Morocco will aim to leverage home advantage and start the tournament strongly. Group A also features Mali, perennial dark horses, and Zambia, who won the title in 2012. Comoros will look to upset the odds as they make their second AFCON appearance.
Can December come already?
Here’s what the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 groups look like after the Final Draw! pic.twitter.com/QYQsAIu1e4
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) January 27, 2025
Group B: Egypt Leads the Pack
- Egypt
- South Africa
- Angola
- Zimbabwe
Record seven-time champions Egypt headline Group B. They are joined by South Africa, who will hope to relive their 1996 glory, Angola, and Zimbabwe, both of whom are determined to make their mark.
Group C: The Group of Intrigue
- Nigeria
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Tanzania
The presence of Nigeria and Tunisia, two heavyweights, adds intrigue to Uganda and Tanzania’s challenge in Group C. Both East African nations will need to bring their A-game to advance to the knockout stages.
Group D: Champions Senegal in Command
- Senegal
- DR Congo
- Benin
- Botswana
Reigning champions Senegal are favorites to top Group D, but they will face stiff competition from DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana.
Group E: Algeria Eyes Glory
- Algeria
- Burkina Faso
- Equatorial Guinea
- Sudan
2019 champions Algeria will look to dominate Group E, with Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan all capable of springing surprises.
Group F: Powerhouses Collide
- Ivory Coast
- Cameroon
- Gabon
- Mozambique
Group F features a heavyweight clash between Ivory Coast and Cameroon, two former champions. Gabon and Mozambique round out the group, aiming to upset the established order.
Tournament Format
The tournament will see the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stages. With such a competitive lineup, every match will be crucial in determining which teams progress.
Highlights of the Qualified Teams
Morocco (Hosts):
The Atlas Lions enter the tournament as one of the favorites after a dominant qualifying campaign. They topped their group with a perfect record, scoring an impressive 26 goals while conceding only two.
Senegal:
The reigning champions remain a formidable force, with a squad boasting world-class talent. Senegal topped their qualifying group, conceding just one goal throughout.
Nigeria:
With three AFCON titles to their name, the Super Eagles are perennial contenders. Their mix of youth and experience makes them a team to watch.
Tunisia:
Making their 17th consecutive AFCON appearance, Tunisia’s consistency and tactical discipline make them a tough opponent.
Tanzania and Uganda:
The East African duo will look to bring pride to the region, with both teams eager to make a statement on the continental stage.
Where to Watch the Action
Fans across the continent and beyond can catch the tournament live on various platforms, including CAF TV (YouTube), beIN Sports, SuperSport, Canal+, and Azam TV. The draw has set the stage for a thrilling tournament, and anticipation is at an all-time high.
The Road Ahead
As the teams prepare for their group stage challenges, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations promises to be a celebration of African football. From powerhouse nations to emerging contenders, the competition will showcase the best talent the continent has to offer. With an East African derby adding to the excitement, fans can look forward to a tournament filled with passion, drama, and unforgettable moments.
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