AFCON 2025 group finale begins in Morocco as CAF confirms only Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria have qualified for the Round of 16
The final round of group-stage matches at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, begins on Monday, with most teams still battling for places in the knockout stage.
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The Confederation of African Football said only Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria have secured qualification for the Round of 16 after winning their opening two matches.
CAF noted that the remaining knockout slots will be decided across the closing group fixtures, with automatic qualification reserved for the top two teams in each group and additional places available for the best third-placed sides.
In a statement titled, AFCON 2025: Final group games begin as knockout race tightens in Morocco, CAF said the final round would deliver familiar late drama.
The continental body confirmed that matches within each group will kick off simultaneously to ensure competitive balance.
In Group B, Egypt are already through with six points, while South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe remain locked in contention for the remaining qualification places.
Group A remains wide open, with hosts Morocco leading on four points ahead of Mali and Zambia on two points each, and Comoros still mathematically in the race.
Nigeria, already qualified from Group C, face Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia and Tanzania contest a decisive encounter with progression at stake.
Group D is finely balanced, with Senegal and DR Congo on four points, Benin on three and Botswana seeking a late surge.
The final group matches conclude on Wednesday, with Algeria already through in Group E and Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique contesting qualification in Group F.
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CAF said the unpredictable nature of the opening rounds suggests the final group games could deliver decisive twists before the knockout phase begins.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
