The group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is reaching its thrilling conclusion, with the full lineup of 16 teams set to battle in the knockout rounds now officially confirmed. Remarkably, this clarity has emerged even before the final whistles have blown in some groups, setting the stage for an electrifying Round of 16.
Super Eagles Soar with Perfect Record
The standout story from the group phase is the impeccable performance of Nigeria's Super Eagles. They became the first and only team to secure a perfect nine points from their three matches. Their campaign featured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania, a thrilling 3-2 win against Tunisia, and a commanding 3-1 defeat of Uganda to seal top spot in Group C.
In a positive subplot for Nigerian fans, striker Paul Onuachu ended his long goal drought for the national team by scoring against Uganda. This marked his first AFCON goal since the 2019 tournament, providing a timely boost as the team heads into the knockout phase.
The Complete List of Qualified Nations
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the following 16 teams have booked their tickets to the next round:
- Egypt: The Pharaohs were the very first team to qualify, topping Group B.
- Nigeria: Qualified with maximum points from Group C.
- Algeria: Riyad Mahrez inspired the Desert Foxes to two wins, securing early progression from Group E.
- South Africa: Bafana Bafana grabbed their spot after a crucial win over Zimbabwe.
- Morocco: The host nation advanced comfortably as the fifth team.
- Mali: Progressed from Group A alongside the hosts.
- Tunisia: Qualified from the competitive Group C.
- Tanzania: Made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
- Senegal, DR Congo, Benin: All three qualified from Group D, with Gernot Rohr's Benin side advancing despite controversy.
- Burkina Faso and Sudan: Both teams moved on from Group E, with Sudan's qualification under Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah being a historic achievement.
- Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Mozambique: The defending champions, the Indomitable Lions, and Mozambique all emerged from the tough Group F.
Eliminations and the Road Ahead
The tournament has also seen its share of disappointment. Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Botswana have all been eliminated at the group stage and will play no further part in AFCON 2025.
While the participants are set, the final group standings and subsequent Round of 16 pairings are still being decided in the remaining matches. The only confirmed knockout fixture so far is a daunting challenge for the debutants: Tanzania will face the host nation, Morocco's Atlas Lions.
With the group stage drama now settled, the continent's attention turns to the win-or-go-home intensity of the knockout rounds, where Nigeria's Super Eagles will aim to translate their perfect start into a deep run for the trophy.
