The quest for a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco intensifies this week, with crucial qualifying matches taking place across the continent.
So far, four nations have secured their spots in next year’s tournament: Cameroon, the five-time AFCON champions, Algeria, the 2019 titleholders, as well as Burkina Faso and host nation Morocco.
Burkina Faso was the first to qualify for the 2025 AFCON finals, achieving this milestone with a 2-0 victory against Burundi on Sunday, October 13. Goals from Mohamed Konate and Bertrand Traore’s penalty propelled the Burkinabe to ten points from four matches in Group L, ensuring they cannot finish outside the top two.
In the same group, Senegal currently sits in second place with seven points from three matches and can qualify with a win against Malawi on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Burundi has three points from four games, and Malawi remains winless after three matches.
In another match, Cameroon claimed a 1-0 victory over Kenya in neutral Kampala, with Boris Enow scoring the decisive goal. The win brings Cameroon to ten points from four games, solidifying their position in the top two of their group, which guarantees them a place in the 24-team finals. This victory came in the absence of their federation president, Samuel Eto’o, who is serving a six-month stadium ban imposed by FIFA.
Algeria also continued their perfect run, amassing 12 points from four games after Ramy Bensebaini scored a first-half penalty to secure a 1-0 win against Togo in Lome. Although they faced significant pressure from the hosts, Algeria’s defense held firm.
In Group J, Zimbabwe strengthened their position with a 3-1 win over Namibia in neutral Johannesburg, leaving them with eight points, four ahead of third-placed Kenya with two matches remaining. Walter Musona netted two goals, including one from the penalty spot, while Prince Dube added another.
Equatorial Guinea maintained their second-place status in their group after a dramatic 2-1 win over Liberia in Monrovia. Luis Asue opened the scoring, but William Gibson equalized for the hosts. Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Dorian Hanza scored a last-minute winner.
Gambia climbed into second place in their group, edging ahead of Comoros on head-to-head records, although they have played one game more. Meanwhile, Mozambique topped Group I with a commanding 3-0 victory over Eswatini in Nelspruit, marking the milestone with a goal from their 40-year-old winger, Domingues. They are now five points clear of third-placed Guinea Bissau, who are set to face Mali on Tuesday.
Below are the qualified teams so far:
Morocco (Hosts), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Senegal, Angola, Egypt, Algeria
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