Twenty-four nations have been confirmed to compete in the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Mozambique earning the final spot after defeating Guinea-Bissau 2-1 on Tuesday.
Morocco has automatically qualified as the host country for the highly anticipated event, which will take place in December of next year.
Next year’s competition for the trophy will include both up-and-coming clubs eager to make their mark on the continental arena and well-established powerhouses.
Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, and the current winners, Côte d’Ivoire, are among the former champions joining Morocco. Due to their outstanding campaign outcomes, these nations were qualified.
In addition, South Africa, Nigeria, and Tunisia have been assured a place in the competitions and will aim to compete against major powers when it happens the following year.
African football has become increasingly competitive, as evidenced by the return of Botswana to the competition after a lengthy absence and the comebacks of nations like Gabon, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the qualifiers. Benin and Sudan earned their spots on the last qualifying day as well.
Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe, and the Comoros also confirmed their participation last week, completing a well-balanced lineup of established competitors and emerging nations.
Equatorial Guinea and Uganda, both known for their energetic performances in recent editions, will compete in Morocco as well.
Equatorial Guinea and Uganda will also participate in Morocco, where they have a reputation for putting up strong shows in past editions.
While Botswana is breaking a 12-year hiatus, Tanzania and Mozambique have earned a fierce place in the finals. How football is growing more and more competitive across the continent is evident in the qualification process.
Now that all 24 spots have been filled, enthusiasm is increasing for what appears to be a spectacular competition.
The 24 nations eligible to compete in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Morocco, have been confirmed. They are:
- Morocco (host)
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Algeria
- Democratic Republic of Congo (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
The tournament will feature several former champions, emerging teams, and nations making their comeback, reflecting the evolving competitiveness of African football.