AFCON 2025: Morocco to host 28-time champions

Notably, Ghana, a four-time champion, Congo and Ethiopia will not participate after a disappointing qualifying campaign.

Nov 21, 2024 - 09:36

Afcon

The final lineup of 24 nations for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has been confirmed following the completion of Match Day 6 of the Qualifiers.

The participating teams boast an impressive cumulative 28 titles between them.

Former winners Cameroon, DR Congo, Nigeria, Tunisia, Zambia, and South Africa secured their spots in style, ensuring the presence of some of Africa's most revered football nations.

Notably, Ghana, a four-time champion Congo and Ethiopia will not participate after a disappointing qualifying campaign.

Unfortunately, the trio will be the only former AFCON champions absent from the tournament in Morocco.

Returnees and Regulars

Next year’s AFCON competition coincidentally features all of the top 10 nations in the Africa FIFA rankings, including Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Tunisia, Cameroon, Mali, and DR Congo.

Meanwhile, Botswana made a stunning entry into the final 24 following their 1-1 draw against Egypt. Zimbabwe returned to the tournament after a two-year absence, finishing second in Group J behind Cameroon. Comoros staged a remarkable comeback to secure their spot.

The 2025 edition marks the return of Benin (2019), Botswana (2012), Gabon (2021), Uganda (2019), and Sudan (2021).

Regular participants Angola, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, and Tanzania also secured their tickets to Morocco.

AFCON History

The Africa Cup of Nations, founded in 1957, has evolved into one of the world's premier football competitions.

Initially featuring three teams, the tournament now includes 24 countries in the main draw and 52 in the qualifiers.

Organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), AFCON has been held 34 times, with 14 different countries claiming the championship.

Notable Records

Egypt is the most successful team, winning seven titles. Cameroon follows with five titles.

The Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire won the 2023 edition, defeating Nigeria's Super Eagles 2-1 in the final.

Samuel Eto'o holds the record for most goals scored in AFCON with 18.

Participating Teams

The final lineup includes:

Morocco (Hosts), Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.