AFCON 2025: Morocco Under Pressure as Title Contenders Enter Decisive Group Stage

AFCON 2025 is entering its decisive phase. Morocco, Senegal and the continental giants face pressure, calculations and ambition as knockout football approaches.

As the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches its final stretch, the tournament’s main contenders are gradually revealing their true ambitions. Host nation Morocco and reigning champions Senegal remain among the top favorites for the title, while Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria have already secured their places in the round of 16.

With the competition format allowing the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed sides, qualification margins remain wide. History has already shown that a slow start does not necessarily end a title dream, Ivory Coast’s remarkable triumph in the 2023 edition after barely qualifying as a best third stands as a reminder.

Morocco Close to the Top, but Pressure Remains

Morocco, widely considered the tournament’s top favorite, are in a strong position after a controlled 2–0 victory over Comoros and a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Mali. The Atlas Lions need just one point against Zambia to mathematically secure first place in Group A, provided Mali do not defeat Comoros by more than two goals.

Even in the event of a defeat, Morocco could still finish top if Mali and Comoros draw. However, expectations are high across the country, and head coach Walid Regragui faces mounting pressure to deliver a convincing performance. With the final scheduled in Rabat on January 18, the ambition remains clear: lifting the trophy on home soil.

Senegal Less Comfortable Than Expected

Senegal impressed in their opening match with a dominant 3–0 win over Botswana, but were forced to fight hard for a 1–1 draw against DR Congo. Both teams sit level on four points in Group D, leaving qualification open heading into the final round.

The Teranga Lions must defeat Benin in Tangier and hope DR Congo drop points against Botswana to claim top spot. Goal difference currently gives Senegal a slight edge, but finishing second could mean an unfavorable round-of-16 clash against Group E leaders Algeria.

Egypt and Nigeria in Control

Egypt and Nigeria are the only teams to have secured both qualification and group leadership with two wins from two matches. Led by Mohamed Salah, Egypt edged past Zimbabwe (2–1) and South Africa (1–0), while Nigeria survived late drama to beat Tunisia after leading 3–0.

Both coaches now have the luxury of rotating their squads in the final group match as they await opponents from the best third-placed teams.

Algeria Back Among the Knockout Contenders

Algeria have returned to the knockout stages for the first time since their 2019 title run, thanks to a crucial victory over Burkina Faso sealed by a late goal from captain Riyad Mahrez.

They face Equatorial Guinea next, while Sudan and Burkina Faso battle in a decisive encounter. Finishing in the top two would allow Algeria to avoid the uncertainty of the best-third ranking system.

Ivory Coast and Cameroon on Track, Gabon Eliminated

Following their intense draw in Marrakech, both Ivory Coast and Cameroon sit comfortably on four points and are well placed to advance. In contrast, Gabon became the first team eliminated after a dramatic 3–2 defeat to Mozambique.

Ivory Coast will close the group stage against Gabon, while Cameroon face a tricky test against a confident Mozambique side still capable of topping the group.

All Eyes on the Final Group Matches

As AFCON 2025 approaches the knockout phase, the margin for error is shrinking. For Morocco, the mission is clear: confirm status, manage pressure and move forward with momentum. For the rest of the contenders, strategic squad management and tactical clarity will define who truly emerges as a title favorite.