As the AFCON 2025 group stage draws to a close, Africa’s biggest football spectacle has already delivered drama, surprises, and statements of intent. With the dust settled, the spotlight now shifts to the teams that navigated the early challenges and earned their place in the Round of 16 – setting the stage for what promises to be an even more intense knockout phase.

Group Summaries

Group A

Group A saw Morocco and Mali making it to the top two spots. Morocco – the hosts in scintillating form – stand at the top with 7 points from 2 wins and a draw. Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi scored 3 goals each, and the team has reflected why they are a top contender for the title this year. Mali on the other hand, didn’t manage to win a single game but also stayed undefeated in the group stage, making it to the RO16. 

Group B

Egypt and South Africa made it to the top two comfortably in the group stage. Egypt took the top spot, with 7 points again. Mohamed Salah remains the standout player for the team, scoring twice in 2 games played. With Ahmed El-Shenawy between the sticks, Egypt are also among the title contenders this year. South Africa has 6 points from their wins against Angola and Zimbabwe. Their last group stage match against Zimbabwe was nothing short of a thriller, with 5 goals. South Africa sealed the win in the 82nd minute, making it to 2nd place. 

Group C

Nigeria was comfortably on top of the table with three wins, with Tunisia making it to the 2nd place with 4 points. Nigeria marched across their opponents in the group stage, claiming all 3 victories. Raphael Onyedika and Ademola Lookman led their attack with 2 goals each and Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chuwueze also contributed – showing their aspiration for the title. Tunisia managed to draw their final game against Tanzania, going ahead to the round of 16 with 2 more points than the latter.

Group D

Senegal and DR Congo made it to the Round of 16 with both teams on 7 points. While both the teams won over the other teams in the group, the only draw from the group came when both the table toppers locked horns. Senegal features a strong squad, with the likes of Sadio Mane, Abdoulaye Seck, Nicolas Jackson and El Hadji Malick Diouf. DR Congo look strong going into the knockouts, with their goals coming from different players in each match of the group stage.

Group E

Algeria – one of the favourites this year – topped Group E with 9 points, with Burkina Faso taking the 2nd spot with 6 points. Algeria has been nothing short of dominant in their group stage campaign. With Riyad Mahrez scoring 3 goals and Ibrahim Maza with 2 goals and an assist, Algeria look to forge ahead comfortably to the semifinals. Burkina Faso won over Sudan won the final match in the group stage, making into the RO16.

Group F

Group F had defending Champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon making it to the round of 16 with both teams on 7 points. Just like group D, the only draw of the group came with the top two facing each other. While both teams have the same points and goal difference, Ivory Coast takes the top spot with more goals scored. Cameroon stayed in 2nd, just a goal away from the toppers. With Amad Diallo in attack and Chrisopher Operi in defense, Ivory Coast aim to give their best to retain their title. Cameroon also look to make the most of the chance in the knockouts. 

Ranking of 3rd Placed Teams

With 12 teams making it to the knockouts, the group stage also had the best third-placed teams advancing to the RO16. Mozambique (Group F), Benin (Group D) and Sudan (Group E) make it to the top 3 spots with 3 points each. Their goal difference determined their position in the ranking. While Tanzania (Group C) and Angola (Group B) had the same points (2) and were also tied in goal difference – Tanzania made it ahead, scoring just a goal more than Angola.

Looking Ahead

With the Round of 16 matches starting on January 3rd, AFCON moves into the knockout stages – with the tournament set to end in mid January. The first knockout round has Mali taking on Tunisia and Senegal facing Sudan on January 3rd. South Africa clash with Cameroon and Morocco host Tanzania on January 4th. Egypt square-off with Benin and Nigeria go up against Mozambique on January 5th. The last matchday sees Ivory Coast come up against Burkina Faso and Algeria set to play DR Congo on the 6th. As AFCON heads into its decisive phase, the margins grow thinner and the stakes higher – setting up a thrilling start to the football calendar. Happy New Year to all our readers, and enjoy what promises to be a memorable knockout stage.