AFCON 2025: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Algeria and Burkina Faso Close Out Matchday One

AFCON 2025 matchday one concludes as Africa’s heavyweights Ivory Coast, Algeria and Cameroon enter the tournament.

The first matchday of the AFCON 2025 group stage comes to an end this Wednesday with the highly anticipated debut of several continental heavyweights. Four fixtures are on the schedule as Groups E and F officially enter the competition, featuring reigning champions Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Algeria, and Burkina Faso.

After strong openings across Groups A, B, C, and D, attention now turns to the final teams yet to make their tournament debut. From Casablanca to Marrakech and Agadir, Wednesday’s matches promise intensity, experience, and early momentum in the race for qualification.

Ivory Coast begin title defense against Mozambique

All eyes will be on the Grand Stade de Marrakech at 6:30 PM as Ivory Coast launch their AFCON 2025 campaign against Mozambique in Group F. The Elephants arrive in Morocco as defending champions, having lifted the trophy in 2024, and are once again among the main contenders for the title.

With a squad built on experience and depth, Ivory Coast aim to set the tone early. Mozambique, meanwhile, approach the encounter with ambition and determination, hoping to cause an upset and start their tournament on a positive note.

Cameroon and Gabon face off in Central African derby

The second Group F fixture will take place at 9:00 PM at Stade Adrar in Agadir, where Cameroon face Gabon in a high-intensity Central African derby. Cameroon, five-time AFCON champions, bring pedigree and expectation, while Gabon look to challenge their neighbors with energy and discipline.

This encounter is expected to be fiercely contested, with both sides eager to secure early points in what promises to be a competitive group.

Algeria favorites against Sudan in Group E

Group E action begins earlier in the day at 4:00 PM, with Algeria taking on Sudan at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat. Two-time African champions, Algeria enter the match as clear favorites, determined to make a strong statement after a disappointing early exit in the previous edition.

Sudan, returning to the AFCON finals after several years away, face a tough challenge but will look to approach the match with resilience and ambition.

Burkina Faso open Group E against Equatorial Guinea

The day’s opening match kicks off at 1:30 PM at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, where Burkina Faso meet Equatorial Guinea. Both teams aim to begin their Group E campaign with a positive result, knowing that early points could prove decisive as the group unfolds.

AFCON 2025 – Wednesday, December 24 Match Schedule

3rd day program. Photo Credit: @caf_online

Wednesday, December 24

13:30 Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea (Group E, Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca)
16:00 Algeria vs Sudan (Group E, Prince Moulay El Hassan Complex, Rabat)
18:30 Ivory Coast vs Mozambique (Group F, Grand Stade de Marrakech)
21:00 Cameroon vs Gabon (Group F, Adrar Stadium, Agadir)