Africa’s premier football tournament, AFCON 2025, begins in Morocco on Sunday, 21 December. The hosts face Comoros in the opening match at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.
Morocco, ranked 11th in the world, is bidding to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 1976. Egypt captain Mohamed Salah will again be chasing his maiden AFCON title after finishing runner-up in 2017 and 2021.
Supporters attending matches have been warned about a strict list of prohibited items. Fireworks, pyrotechnics, laser pointers, sharp objects, glass, and weapons are not permitted, alongside cigarettes, alcohol, and narcotics. Items bearing offensive or inappropriate messages are also banned.
Large or bulky objects measuring more than 40 by 30 centimeter’s will not be allowed inside stadiums. This includes prams, large umbrellas, helmets, balls, animals, and oversized flags. Whistles, horns, confetti, lighters, matches, professional cameras with detachable lenses, and recording equipment are equally prohibited. Masks, gas sprays, flammable substances, and any articles deemed discriminatory, offensive, or politically motivated are also forbidden.
Image Credit: CAF
Six cities will host matches during the tournament. Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fès, and Tangier were selected based on stadium standards and wider infrastructure, as Morocco continues preparations towards a joint bid to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Spain.
A total of 24 teams are competing, divided into six groups of four. The top two teams in each group, along with the four best third-placed sides, will advance to the round of 16.
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Group A consists of Morocco, Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. Group B features Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania are in Group C, while Group D includes Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Group E contains Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan, with holders Ivory Coast drawn alongside Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique in Group F.
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Notable group-stage fixtures include Ivory Coast’s clash with Cameroon and Senegal’s meeting with DR Congo. Group C will also feature an East African derby between Uganda and Tanzania. The group phase runs from 21 to 31 December, marking the first Africa Cup of Nations to be staged across the Christmas and New Year period.
