AFCON 2025’s group stage ends today with crucial matches in Groups E and F. Algeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Burkina Faso all have work to do.
The group stage reaches its conclusion today. Eight teams across two groups. Four matches. Everything still to play for.
While Groups A through D have wrapped up their business, Groups E and F deliver their final verdict this Wednesday. Algeria are already through, Ivory Coast haven’t secured anything yet, and Cameroon’s tournament could hinge on ninety minutes against Mozambique.
Group E: Algeria on cruise control, Burkina Faso vs Sudan for survival
Riyad Mahrez has been untouchable. Three goals in two games, including the decisive penalty against Burkina Faso that sealed Algeria’s knockout qualification. The Al-Ahli playmaker faces Equatorial Guinea in Rabat at 17:00 GMT, and while Vladimir Petkovic might rotate, Algeria’s momentum is undeniable.
The more consequential fixture runs simultaneously: Burkina Faso versus Sudan in Casablanca. Both teams sit on three points. Only one can join Algeria in the Round of 16 as group runners-up. The loser isn’t necessarily eliminated—third place with a decent goal difference could still be enough—but neither side will want to leave their fate to calculators.
What’s at stake:
- Algeria need a draw to guarantee top spot
- Burkina Faso and Sudan face a direct elimination duel
- Equatorial Guinea are already out
Group F: Defending champions need to deliver
Ivory Coast’s title defense hasn’t been entirely convincing. A narrow win over Mozambique, followed by a 1-1 draw against Cameroon, leaves the Elephants needing a result against Gabon to secure qualification.
Amad Diallo has emerged as their most dangerous weapon, but the Manchester United winger can’t do it alone. Head coach Emerse Faé dismissed suggestions of over-reliance on the 22-year-old, though the numbers suggest otherwise—Diallo has been directly involved in both Ivory Coast goals so far.
Cameroon’s situation is even more precarious. They face Mozambique in Agadir with four points and can guarantee progression with a draw. But if they slip up and Ivory Coast win, the permutations become messy.
What’s at stake:
- Ivory Coast must avoid defeat to confirm their spot
- Cameroon need at least a draw to be safe
- Mozambique can still qualify with a win if results go their way
- Gabon need a miracle—they must beat the defending champions and hope Mozambique lose
The complete Round of 16 takes shape
Once today’s matches conclude, the bracket will be finalized. Here’s what we know already:
Confirmed fixtures:
- Morocco vs Tanzania – January 4
- Mali vs Tunisia – January 3
- Egypt vs Benin – January 5
- Nigeria vs TBD (2nd place Group E/F) – January 5
- Algeria vs DR Congo – January 6
- Senegal vs TBD (3rd place Group E) – January 3
Kick-off times (December 31)
17:00 GMT:
- Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria (Rabat)
- Sudan vs Burkina Faso (Casablanca)
20:00 GMT:
- Gabon vs Ivory Coast (Marrakech)
- Mozambique vs Cameroon (Agadir)
By midnight, we’ll know exactly who’s staying in Morocco and who’s heading home. The margins are thin. The stakes are enormous. And in a tournament that’s already delivered historic moments—Tanzania reaching the knockouts for the first time, Benin winning their first-ever AFCON match—anything can happen in the final ninety minutes of group-stage football.
AFCON 2025’s group stage ends today with crucial matches in Groups E and F. Algeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Burkina Faso all have work to do.
The group stage reaches its conclusion today. Eight teams across two groups. Four matches. Everything still to play for.
While Groups A through D have wrapped up their business, Groups E and F deliver their final verdict this Wednesday. Algeria are already through, Ivory Coast haven’t secured anything yet, and Cameroon’s tournament could hinge on ninety minutes against Mozambique.
Group E: Algeria on cruise control, Burkina Faso vs Sudan for survival
Riyad Mahrez has been untouchable. Three goals in two games, including the decisive penalty against Burkina Faso that sealed Algeria’s knockout qualification. The Al-Ahli playmaker faces Equatorial Guinea in Rabat at 17:00 GMT, and while Vladimir Petkovic might rotate, Algeria’s momentum is undeniable.
The more consequential fixture runs simultaneously: Burkina Faso versus Sudan in Casablanca. Both teams sit on three points. Only one can join Algeria in the Round of 16 as group runners-up. The loser isn’t necessarily eliminated—third place with a decent goal difference could still be enough—but neither side will want to leave their fate to calculators.
What’s at stake:
- Algeria need a draw to guarantee top spot
- Burkina Faso and Sudan face a direct elimination duel
- Equatorial Guinea are already out
Group F: Defending champions need to deliver
Ivory Coast’s title defense hasn’t been entirely convincing. A narrow win over Mozambique, followed by a 1-1 draw against Cameroon, leaves the Elephants needing a result against Gabon to secure qualification.
Amad Diallo has emerged as their most dangerous weapon, but the Manchester United winger can’t do it alone. Head coach Emerse Faé dismissed suggestions of over-reliance on the 22-year-old, though the numbers suggest otherwise—Diallo has been directly involved in both Ivory Coast goals so far.
Cameroon’s situation is even more precarious. They face Mozambique in Agadir with four points and can guarantee progression with a draw. But if they slip up and Ivory Coast win, the permutations become messy.
What’s at stake:
- Ivory Coast must avoid defeat to confirm their spot
- Cameroon need at least a draw to be safe
- Mozambique can still qualify with a win if results go their way
- Gabon need a miracle—they must beat the defending champions and hope Mozambique lose
The complete Round of 16 takes shape
Once today’s matches conclude, the bracket will be finalized. Here’s what we know already:
Confirmed fixtures:
- Morocco vs Tanzania – January 4
- Mali vs Tunisia – January 3
- Egypt vs Benin – January 5
- Nigeria vs TBD (2nd place Group E/F) – January 5
- Algeria vs DR Congo – January 6
- Senegal vs TBD (3rd place Group E) – January 3
Kick-off times (December 31)
17:00 GMT:
- Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria (Rabat)
- Sudan vs Burkina Faso (Casablanca)
20:00 GMT:
- Gabon vs Ivory Coast (Marrakech)
- Mozambique vs Cameroon (Agadir)
By midnight, we’ll know exactly who’s staying in Morocco and who’s heading home. The margins are thin. The stakes are enormous. And in a tournament that’s already delivered historic moments—Tanzania reaching the knockouts for the first time, Benin winning their first-ever AFCON match—anything can happen in the final ninety minutes of group-stage football.
