As the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, our attention is drawn to Group A, which has a mixture of heavyweights, hopeful contenders and a potential dark horse.
Host nation Morocco will face off against West Africa’s ever-present Mali, former champions Zambia and rising Comoros, promising early subplots and fascinating battles early in the tournament.
Considering that a lot can influence the final results, Edwin Kyle Kule discusses what to expect from Group A of AFCCON 2025.
MOROCCO: The Host with the golden generation
- Nickname: The Atlas Lions
- AFCON Appearances: 20th
- Best Result: Champions 1976
- Expectation: Title Favourites
The Atlas Lions enter the tournament not only as hosts but also as the top favourites to clinch the 2025 AFCON tournament. Their dominance in and outside the continent has seen them win the recent CHAN and U-20 World Cup tournaments. However, their historic run to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup was no fluke.
With Walid Regragui at the helm, Morocco play a structured yet explosive style of football, blending defensive discipline with a neat and clear attacking plan.
Key players to watch: Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou will provide the necessary cover of the goal area while Romain Saiss brings experience, calmness and leadership in the backline. Midfield general Sofyan Amrabat provides the anchor and balance while Youssef En-Nesyri leads the line of attack.
What to expect: Anything less than a semifinal appearance will be regarded as a big disappointment. Playing in front of the home crowd can create immense pressure but the squad has proved to be fully tried and tested at the big stage.
MALI: The Eagles look for a way through
- Nickname: The Eagles
- AFCON Appearances: 14th
- Best Result: Runners up (1972)
- Expectation: Knockout contenders
Mali is a side blessed with talent, consistently being represented in different top European leagues. Despite regularly qualifying for AFCON, the Eagles are still on the search for their maiden AFCON trophy, having reached the semi-finals on four occasions.
Head coach Tom Saintfiet has openly set a minimum target of reaching the semifinals. Their strength lies in their dynamic style as they blend physicality and technical skill.
Key players to watch: Yves Bissouma and Amadou Haidara will man the midfield and Dorgeles Nene and Lassine Sinayoko will be leading the line.
What to expect: Mali’s depth and quality in the squad make them a serious threat to anyone. They are strongly tipped to secure the second automatic qualification spot.
ZAMBIA: The Chipolopolo’s quest for consistency
- Nickname: Chipolopolo
- AFCON Appearances: 19th
- Best Result: Champions (2012)
- Expectation: Knockout stage hopeful
Zambia have struggled for consistency in recent AFCON editions. However, they have always staged wonderful performances by capitalising on attacking moments and staging a strong defensive structure. They will seek to rekindle the spirit of 2012 with a plan to cause major upsets on the continent’s heavyweights.
Key players to watch: The team will look at the agility and leadership skills of Lumambo Musonda to see them out of the kiln.
What to expect: Zambia is set to be the unpredictable side in the group. They are capable of competing against any side but their inconsistency makes them vulnerable.
COMOROS: Can Comoros’ Cinderella story continue?
- Nickname: The Coelacanths
- AFCON Appearances: 2nd
- Best Result: Round of 16 (2021)
- Expectation: Surprise Package
Comoros is arguably the most heartwarming story in modern African football. Their debut in AFCON 2021 was a sensation, culminating in a historic Round of 16 appearance.
This year’s edition will be their second finals and they qualified in style, finishing top of their group with an unbeaten record. This rise in the game highlights their significant improvement on the continental stage.
Key players to watch: Experienced midfielder Youssouf M’Changama remains a crucial creative force, while all-time leading scorer El Fardou Ben Nabouhane adds invaluable experience and a clinical edge to the attack.
What to expect: The Coelacanths are no longer a surprise package; they are a genuinely good team. Their opening game against Morocco, the team they lost to in 2021, will be a true test of how far they have come. Group A is perfectly poised.
While Morocco are the clear favourite, the contest for the second automatic qualification spot and the best third-place spot is wide open.
