The stage is set for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with 24 nations securing their places in the prestigious tournament scheduled for December next year in Morocco.
Mozambique clinched the final qualification spot on Tuesday with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau, completing the full roster of participants.
As the host nation, Morocco automatically qualifies, joining a strong lineup that includes African football powerhouses and rising challengers, promising an exciting mix of talent and competitiveness.
Several former champions have earned their places, including:
- Senegal (2021 winners)
- Côte d’Ivoire (defending titleholders)
- Egypt, the tournament’s most successful team
- Algeria, the 2019 winners
Iconic teams such as Nigeria, Tunisia, and South Africa will also feature, ensuring a robust representation of football heavyweights.
Notable Qualifiers and First-Timers
The qualifiers marked significant returns and breakthroughs:
- DR Congo, Angola, and Gabon are back in contention after strong campaigns.
- Botswana ended a 12-year absence, reflecting the growing competitiveness in African football.
- Sudan and Benin secured their spots on the final day of qualifying.
Earlier, teams such as Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe, and Comoros punched their tickets to Morocco, showcasing a mix of regular contenders and emerging sides.
Teams like Equatorial Guinea, Tanzania, and Mozambique fought hard to earn their places, demonstrating the rising standards of the game across the continent.
Complete Line-Up of Qualified Nations
The 24 countries confirmed for the tournament are:
- Morocco (Hosts)
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Algeria
- DR Congo
- Senegal
- Egypt
- Angola
- Equatorial Guinea
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Uganda
- South Africa
- Gabon
- Tunisia
- Nigeria
- Zambia
- Mali
- Zimbabwe
- Comoros
- Sudan
- Benin
- Tanzania
- Botswana
- Mozambique
