AFCON 2025 Final Draw in Morocco on Jan 27: Teams, Venue & Details

The Final Draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 will take place in the grand setting of the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat on Monday, 27 January at 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT)

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is one of the most highly anticipated football events in Africa. Set to take place in Morocco, this edition will witness the best teams on the continent competing for glory. AFCON 2025 will be hosted in Morocco for the first time since 1988, and with 24 teams vying for the prestigious title, it is set to be an exciting and memorable competition. The AFCON 2025 Final Draw on 27 January 2025 will determine the group stages, setting the stage for this thrilling tournament.

In this article, we will explore what the AFCON represents for African football, the significance of the Final Draw, and the history of the 24 teams that have qualified. We will also take a deep dive into the participation history, achievements, and aspirations of these teams as they prepare for the prestigious tournament.

AFCON 2025: What You Need to Know

The AFCON is Africa’s premier football competition, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The tournament has been held since 1957, and it is one of the most prestigious continental football events globally. The AFCON provides a platform for the best national teams in Africa to showcase their footballing talent, and it has consistently produced some of the most exciting and competitive matches in world football.

Morocco, which is co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup along with Spain and Portugal, will host AFCON 2025 for the first time in 37 years. The country’s world-class stadiums, infrastructure, and passionate football fans make it the perfect host for such a major event. The Final Draw, scheduled for 27 January 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, will be a pivotal moment as the 24 participating teams will learn which other teams they will face in the group stages.

The 24 Teams in AFCON 2025: History, Achievements, and Participation

The AFCON 2025 tournament will feature 24 teams that have qualified through a series of qualification matches held over the past years. These teams represent the best footballing nations in Africa, each with a rich history and deep passion for the sport. Below, we will dive into the participation history of each team, highlighting their achievements in the AFCON tournament, their past performances, and what they can bring to AFCON 2025.

1. Algeria

• Federation: Algerian Football Federation (FAF)
• Website: www.faf.org.dz
• AFCON History: 21st appearance, 2-time champions (1990, 2019)

Algeria is one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses, boasting a rich history in the AFCON competition. The Fennecs have been crowned champions twice: once in 1990 when they hosted the tournament and again in 2019, when they triumphed in Egypt. With a total of 21 appearances, Algeria is a force to be reckoned with and a strong contender for the title in AFCON 2025. Their squad includes talented players who can lead them to another victory, and they will be a team to watch closely in Morocco.

2. Angola

• Federation: Angolan Football Federation (FAF)
• Website: www.faf.co.ao
• AFCON History: 10th appearance, Best finish: Quarter-finals (2008, 2010, 2023)

Angola, with its 10th appearance in AFCON, has shown resilience over the years. Their best performances have been reaching the quarter-finals in 2008, 2010, and 2023. Angola has a history of producing talented players who are capable of competing with the best in Africa. The Palancas Negras will be aiming to reach the later stages of AFCON 2025, hoping to build on their past successes and take their game to the next level.

3. Benin

• Federation: Benin Football Federation (FBF)
• Website: www.fbf.bj
• AFCON History: 5th appearance, Best finish: Quarter-finals (2019)

Benin has qualified for AFCON five times, with their best finish coming in 2019 when they reached the quarter-finals. While the Squirrels have not consistently gone deep in the tournament, their performances in recent years have shown that they are capable of competing with the continent’s best. The AFCON 2025 tournament will be another chance for Benin to demonstrate their growing footballing strength and challenge for a place in the knockout stages.

4. Botswana

• Federation: Botswana Football Association (BFA)
• Website: www.bfa.bw
• AFCON History: 2nd appearance, Best finish: Group stage (2012)

Botswana will be making its second appearance in AFCON 2025. Their debut appearance came in 2012, where they were eliminated in the group stage. The Mochudi Centre Chiefs have a long way to go in terms of consistency at the continental level, but their presence in the tournament proves that Botswana is growing as a footballing nation. The team will be aiming to go beyond the group stage and make a deeper impact in the competition.

5. Burkina Faso

• Federation: Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF)
• Website: www.fbf.bf
• AFCON History: 14th appearance, Runners-up (2013)

Burkina Faso, known as the Stallions, has participated in 14 AFCON tournaments. Their greatest achievement came in 2013, when they finished as runners-up. This underdog team has consistently been a strong presence in the tournament and is known for their fighting spirit. The AFCON 2025 will provide them with another opportunity to challenge for the title and improve on their previous performances.

6. Cameroon

• Federation: Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT)
• Website: www.fecafoot-officiel.com
• AFCON History: 22nd appearance, 5-time champions (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017)

Cameroon is one of the most successful teams in AFCON history, having won the tournament five times. Their titles came in 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, and 2017. With 22 appearances, the Indomitable Lions are always a top contender in the tournament, and they will be looking to add a sixth title to their collection in AFCON 2025. Their powerful and disciplined squad makes them one of the favorites for this year’s competition.

7. Comoros

• Federation: Comoros Football Federation (FFC)
• Website: www.ffecomores.com
• AFCON History: 2nd appearance, Best finish: Round of 16 (2021)

Comoros made an impressive debut in AFCON 2021, reaching the round of 16 in their first-ever appearance. The Coelacanths shocked many with their spirited performances, and their growth as a footballing nation has been remarkable. With their second appearance in AFCON 2025, they will aim to go even further and demonstrate that they are a force to be reckoned with in African football.

8. Côte d’Ivoire

• Federation: Ivorian Football Federation (FIF)
• Website: www.fif-ci.com
• AFCON History: 26th appearance, 3-time champions (1992, 2015, 2023)

Côte d’Ivoire is one of the most successful teams in AFCON history, with three titles to their name. The Elephants won the title in 1992, 2015, and most recently in 2023. With 26 appearances, they have a wealth of experience at the continental level. Their squad is packed with talent, and they will be one of the favorites to claim the title in AFCON 2025.

9. Democratic Republic of Congo

• Federation: Congolese Football Association (FECOFA)
• Website: www.fecofa.cd
• AFCON History: 21st appearance, 2-time champions (1968, 1974)

The Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo have a proud footballing tradition. With two AFCON titles (1968 and 1974), the team has been a dominant force in African football for decades. They have made 21 appearances in the tournament and will be eager to return to the top in AFCON 2025. With a talented squad, DR Congo will be a serious contender.

10. Egypt

• Federation: Egyptian Football Association (EFA)
• Website: www.efa.eg
• AFCON History: 27th appearance, 7-time champions (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010)

Egypt is the most successful team in AFCON history, with an incredible 7 titles to their name. They are the only team to have won the tournament seven times (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010). With 27 appearances, Egypt’s pedigree in AFCON is unmatched, and they will be one of the top favorites to win the title in AFCON 2025.

11. Equatorial Guinea

• Federation: Equatoguinean Football Federation (FEGUIFOOT)
• Website: www.feguifoot.com
• AFCON History: 5th appearance, Best finish: Fourth place (2015)

Equatorial Guinea has qualified for AFCON five times, with their best finish coming in 2015 when they reached fourth place. The Nzalang Nacional has shown steady progress, and they will be hoping to go even further in AFCON 2025.

12. Gabon

• Federation: Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot)
• Website: www.fegafoot.ga
• AFCON History: 9th appearance, Best finish: Quarter-finals (1996, 2012)

Gabon, with its 9th appearance, has experienced several strong performances in AFCON, including reaching the quarter-finals in 1996 and 2012. The Panthers of Gabon have the potential to go far in AFCON 2025.

13. Mali

• Federation: Malian Football Federation (FEMAFOOT)
• Website: www.femafoot.org
• AFCON History: 14th appearance, Best finish: Runners-up (1972)

Mali’s AFCON history has been marked by several strong performances, including their best finish as runners-up in 1972. Despite having qualified for AFCON 14 times, the Eagles of Mali have yet to secure the ultimate prize. However, their consistent performances in the tournament, including reaching the semi-finals on multiple occasions, show that they are always a team capable of competing at the highest level. AFCON 2025 will present another chance for Mali to break through and capture their first title.

14. Morocco

• Federation: Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF)
• Website: www.frmf.ma
• AFCON History: 20th appearance, Champions (1976)

As the host nation for AFCON 2025, Morocco enters the tournament with high expectations. The Atlas Lions are one of the top footballing nations in Africa and have an impressive 20 AFCON appearances to their name. Their biggest achievement came in 1976, when they lifted the AFCON trophy. With home support behind them, Morocco will aim to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially win their second title. Morocco is always a formidable team in continental football, and their home advantage in AFCON 2025 could be the perfect boost for them to perform at their best.

15. Mozambique

• Federation: Mozambique Football Federation (FMF)
• Website: www.fmf.org.mz
• AFCON History: 6th appearance, Best finish: Group stage (1986, 1996, 1998, 2010, 2023)

Mozambique is making its sixth appearance at AFCON in 2025. The Mambas have had a mixed record in previous tournaments, never advancing beyond the group stage. However, their presence at the continental tournament is a testament to their growth as a footballing nation. AFCON 2025 will be another opportunity for Mozambique to prove themselves and hopefully break their group-stage curse, with the ambition of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

16. Nigeria

• Federation: Nigerian Football Federation (NFF)
• Website: www.nff.com.ng
• AFCON History: 21st appearance, 3-time champions (1980, 1994, 2013)

Nigeria is one of the most decorated teams in AFCON history, having lifted the trophy three times. Their titles came in 1980, 1994, and 2013, and they have been a dominant force in African football for decades. With 21 appearances, the Super Eagles are looking to reclaim their position at the top and add a fourth AFCON title to their trophy cabinet in AFCON 2025. Nigeria’s footballing pedigree, coupled with their wealth of talented players, makes them one of the top contenders for the tournament.

17. Senegal

• Federation: Senegal Football Federation (FSF)
• Website: www.fsfoot.sn
• AFCON History: 18th appearance, Champions (2021)

Senegal is the reigning AFCON champion, having lifted the trophy in 2021 after an intense final against Egypt. The Lions of Teranga have been one of the most consistent teams in AFCON, with a rich history and a strong squad that features top talent from around the world. Their victory in 2021 was a long-awaited triumph, and as AFCON 2025 approaches, they will be looking to defend their title and cement their place as one of Africa’s greatest footballing nations.

18. South Africa

• Federation: South African Football Association (SAFA)
• Website: www.safa.net
• AFCON History: 12th appearance, Champions (1996)

South Africa’s AFCON success came in 1996, when they won the tournament on home soil. The Bafana Bafana have participated in 12 tournaments, and they are always a competitive side, capable of challenging the best in Africa. South Africa’s footballing pedigree is well-respected across the continent, and with a strong squad in place, they will be aiming to add a second AFCON title to their collection in 2025.

19. Sudan

• Federation: Sudan Football Association (SFA)
• Website: www.sfasudan.org
• AFCON History: 10th appearance, Champions (1970)

Sudan has a rich footballing history and has qualified for AFCON 10 times. Their finest achievement came in 1970 when they won the tournament, an accomplishment that remains a proud part of the nation’s footballing legacy. The Sudanese Falcons have always been a strong team in Africa, and with a squad that has shown improvement in recent years, they will be looking to make a mark in AFCON 2025 and potentially challenge for the trophy once again.

20. Tanzania

• Federation: Tanzania Football Federation (TFF)
• Website: www.tff.or.tz
• AFCON History: 4th appearance, Best finish: Group stage (1980, 2019, 2023)

Tanzania has qualified for AFCON four times, but their journey has mostly been marked by group-stage exits. The Taifa Stars are still in the process of building a competitive team, but their qualification for AFCON 2025 marks progress for Tanzanian football. In a tournament like AFCON, surprises can happen, and Tanzania will be hoping to break their group-stage record and make a deep run in this edition.

21. Tunisia

• Federation: Tunisian Football Federation (FTF)
• Website: www.ftf.org.tn
• AFCON History: 22nd appearance, Champions (2004)

Tunisia is a well-established force in AFCON, with 22 appearances and one title to their name. The Carthage Eagles won their AFCON crown in 2004, and they have remained competitive at the continental level ever since. Tunisia is known for its disciplined style of play, and the team has consistently advanced to the knockout stages of the tournament. AFCON 2025 will be another opportunity for Tunisia to challenge for a second title, as they continue to build on their strong footballing tradition.

22. Uganda

• Federation: Uganda Football Association (FUFA)
• Website: www.fufa.co.ug
• AFCON History: 8th appearance, Runners-up (1978)

Uganda has qualified for AFCON eight times, with their best performance coming in 1978 when they finished as runners-up. The Cranes of Uganda are a team with a proud history and a passionate fan base, and they will be looking to make an impact at AFCON 2025. The team has been steadily improving, and this could be their best chance to return to the top of African football.

23. Zambia

• Federation: Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)
• Website: www.fazfootball.com
• AFCON History: 19th appearance, Champions (2012)

Zambia, the Chipolopolo, secured their AFCON title in 2012, a historic victory that remains one of the most memorable in the tournament’s history. With 19 appearances, Zambia has established itself as a competitive side in African football. The team will be aiming to challenge for the AFCON 2025 title, hoping to secure a second continental crown and further solidify their place in AFCON history.

24. Zimbabwe

• Federation: Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)
• Website: www.zifa.org.zw
• AFCON History: 6th appearance, Best finish: Group stage (2004, 2006, 2017, 2019, 2021)

Zimbabwe has qualified for AFCON six times but has struggled to progress past the group stage. However, the Warriors are a team with potential, and their performances in recent years have shown that they can compete with Africa’s best. With a strong squad and a renewed focus, Zimbabwe will be hoping to make a deeper run in AFCON 2025 and challenge the top teams.

Conclusion

The AFCON 2025 tournament promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive editions of the Africa Cup of Nations in recent memory. With 24 teams, each with its own unique history and footballing traditions, the competition will showcase Africa’s finest talent. From Nigeria’s legendary pedigree to Morocco’s home advantage, the stakes have never been higher.

As the Final Draw on 27 January 2025 draws closer, football fans across the continent eagerly await to see which teams will face off in what promises to be a thrilling group stage. The journey to AFCON 2025 has already begun, and the stage is set for a celebration of African football that will captivate audiences around the world.

For more details and updates about AFCON 2025, be sure to visit the official website of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at www.cafonline.com.