Africa’s Best Gather: Mozambique Claims Final Spot, Senegal, Algeria Make Cut as Nigeria Pursues Glory

By Emmanuel Kwada

The lineup for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is now finalized, with Mozambique securing the last spot after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau. The tournament is set to kick off in December, hosted by Morocco, which automatically qualifies as the host nation.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025

This year’s competition promises an exciting blend of established powerhouses and emerging teams, all eager to showcase their talents on the continental stage. Among the nations that have qualified are former champions such as Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, and the current title holders, Côte d’Ivoire, all of whom displayed strong performances throughout the qualifying rounds.

Iconic teams like Nigeria also secured their place in the tournament, despite facing a surprising setback with a loss to Rwanda in their final qualifying match. Here’s a summary of Nigeria’s journey through the qualifiers:

1. Match 1: Nigeria vs. Benin – Nigeria won 3-0.

2. Match 2: Nigeria vs. Rwanda – The match ended in a goalless draw.

3. Match 3: Nigeria vs. Libya – Nigeria clinched a narrow 1-0 victory, with Dele-Bashiru scoring the decisive goal in the 87th minute.

4. Match 4: Nigeria vs. Benin – The teams drew 1-1. Tijani scored for Benin in the 16th minute, while Nigeria’s Osimhen equalized in the 81st minute.

5. Match 5: Nigeria vs. Rwanda – Nigeria lost 2-1, with Chukwueze scoring for Nigeria in the 59th minute, but Rwanda responded with goals from Mutsinzi and Nshuti in the 72nd and 75th minutes, respectively.

6. Match 6: Nigeria vs. Libya – Nigeria was awarded maximum points by CAF after boycotting the return leg due to hostility from the hosts.

The stage is perfectly set for what promises to be an unforgettable AFCON in Morocco

The tournament will also see the return of teams like DR Congo, Angola, and Gabon, while Botswana makes a long-awaited return after a 12-year absence. Notable nations such as Tunisia and South Africa also earned their spots, ensuring the participation of some of Africa’s most prominent footballing teams. Sudan and Benin completed the lineup on the final day of qualifiers, adding to the excitement.

With all 24 slots now filled, the stage is perfectly set for what promises to be an unforgettable AFCON in Morocco.

The Super Eagles last claimed victory in 2013, led by coach Stephen Keshi in South Africa

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This announcement was made following a virtual executive meeting by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Originally slated for the summer of 2025, the tournament was rescheduled to avoid overlapping with the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare for the tournament, they have their sights set on reclaiming the continental title. After finishing as runners-up in the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire—where they lost 2-1 to the hosts—Nigeria looks to capture their fourth AFCON title this time around. The Super Eagles last claimed victory in 2013, led by coach Stephen Keshi in South Africa, having previously triumphed in 1980 and 1994.

Full List of 24 Qualified Countries for AFCON 2025:

1. Morocco (Hosts)

2. Burkina Faso

3. Cameroon

4. Algeria

5. DR Congo

6. Senegal

7. Egypt

8. Angola

9. Equatorial Guinea

10. Côte d’Ivoire

11. Uganda

12. South Africa

13. Gabon

14. Tunisia

15. Nigeria

16. Zambia

17. Mali

18. Zimbabwe

19. Comoros

20. Sudan

21. Benin

22. Tanzania

23. Botswana

24. Mozambique

The anticipation for AFCON 2025 continues to build, with fans and teams alike eager for the action to begin.

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