Anne Wong
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations nears, the stakes are sky-high for African football teams vying for a spot. With some already securing their places, the focus is now on who will clinch the remaining spots. It’s a thrilling time for football fans as they watch their favorite teams battle it out on the continent’s biggest stage.
Eight teams have already secured their spots in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to be held in Morocco. The next few matches will determine which of the remaining teams earn their ticket to the prestigious tournament. Each team is putting up a fierce fight, hoping to make their nation proud.
Tunisia Faces Nail-Biting Moments
Group A is wide open with all eyes on Tunisia, who lead by a slim margin. They’re ahead of Comoros by one point and The Gambia by two. However, outsiders Madagascar are lurking. Tunisia sacked their coach, placing Kais Yaacoubi as the interim. Wins are crucial to maintain their lead.
Madagascar needs a win against Tunisia to keep their dreams alive. The Gambia’s upcoming match against Comoros could determine Tunisia’s fate. Fans are holding their breath, anticipating drama in the final rounds as Tunisia hosts The Gambia and Comoros meets Madagascar.
Botswana on Historic Path
In Group C, Botswana is on the verge of making history. They’re leading the group, sitting three points ahead of Cape Verde and Mauritania. Botswana’s interim coach, Morena Ramoreboli, hopes to steer the team to victory after their former coach left abruptly.
Their upcoming match against Mauritania is crucial. After that, they travel to Egypt, where the stakes are higher. Cape Verde, on the other hand, faces Egypt, who have opted to rest Mohamed Salah. The battle for this group is fierce and unpredictable.
Mauritania welcomes Cape Verde in the final match. The head-to-head records could become a deciding factor in this intense race to qualify.
Ghana’s Struggle for Survival
Ghana, a four-time champion, is on the brink of elimination.
They only have two points from four matches in Group F. With players dropping out due to injury, their path to qualification is daunting. Sudan’s match against Niger can seal Ghana’s fate prematurely.
If Sudan wins, Ghana might be out even before their match in Luanda against Angola. Their journey seems bleak with top players missing and the odds stacked against them.
Despite the challenges, Ghana is determined to fight till the end. They face a must-win against Niger, hoping for a miracle to keep their campaign alive.
Ivory Coast on the Verge
Ivory Coast, defending Afcon champions, need just one win in Group G to secure their spot.
The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, aided by veteran Kei Kamara, have a chance to catch Zambia if they win against Chad. Zambia, meanwhile, is confident after their head-to-head advantage over Sierra Leone.
Zambia’s clash against Ivory Coast is pivotal. However, even a draw could suffice if they perform well against Sierra Leone later.
Group H has Guinea and Tanzania in a tight race. Guinea leads by two points as they prepare to face DR Congo and then Tanzania. Ethiopia, although a long shot, clings to faint hopes of qualification.
Uganda’s One-Point Quest
Group I sees Uganda needing a single point from two fixtures. Their match against South Africa could be their golden opportunity.
Meanwhile, Congo must secure massive wins to have any chance of qualifying. South Africa eyes victory against South Sudan next week. It will be a game-changer if Uganda falters.
In Group J, Zimbabwe looks poised to join Cameroon. A victory over Kenya solidifies their spot. However, Kenya is fighting for its survival.
As Afcon 2025 draws near, the anticipation grows. Football fans are in for an exciting ride as teams fight for the remaining spots in Morocco. These final matches promise to deliver unforgettable moments and showcase the spirit of African football.
As Afcon 2025 draws near, the anticipation grows. Football fans are in for an exciting ride as teams fight for the remaining spots in Morocco. These final matches promise to deliver unforgettable moments and showcase the spirit of African football.
