The journey to the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, formally begins on Wednesday, September 4, with the primary spherical of qualifiers set to unfold throughout the African continent.
As 48 nations compete for a spot within the thirty fifth version of Africa’s most prestigious soccer event, the opening spherical guarantees an array of fascinating encounters.
The qualifiers will set the stage for the groups aiming to raise the coveted trophy in Morocco between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026.
With pleasure already constructing, CAFonline.com takes a more in-depth take a look at seven key matches that soccer followers ought to regulate because the qualifiers get underway.
Ghana vs. Angola: A Battle of Redemption
Ghana and Angola each have factors to show as they meet within the opening spherical of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Ghana endured a disappointing marketing campaign within the final AFCON, crashing out within the group stage, whereas Angola made a stunning run to the semi-finals earlier than being halted by Nigeria. Since then, Angola has lifted the COSAFA Cup, signaling their intent to construct on their latest success.
Ghana, however, has undergone vital adjustments, with Otto Addo changing Chris Hughton as head coach. Addo has rejuvenated the squad with a mix of youth and expertise, led by key gamers Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey. This match shall be a litmus check for either side as they search to start out their qualifying campaigns on a robust observe.
Nigeria vs. Benin: A Regional Rivalry Reignited
At any time when Nigeria and Benin face off, the stakes are at all times excessive, and the result is unpredictable. The rivalry between these West African neighbors runs deep, and their upcoming qualifier is not any exception. Regardless of ending second on the latest TotalEnergies AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria was shocked by Benin in a 2-1 defeat, with targets from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounié.
This time, Nigeria shall be in search of revenge as they host Benin on dwelling soil. The Tremendous Eagles shall be decided to say their dominance, however they know that Benin won’t go down with out a battle. This match guarantees to be an exhilarating encounter with loads of drama.
Senegal vs. Burkina Faso: A Conflict of the Titans
Senegal and Burkina Faso are two groups with wealthy histories in African soccer, and their upcoming qualifier is about to be a blockbuster. The Teranga Lions had a disappointing TotalEnergies AFCON marketing campaign earlier this 12 months, exiting within the Spherical of 16 by the hands of hosts Côte d’Ivoire. For a group that lifted the trophy in 2021, the early exit was a bitter tablet to swallow.
Burkina Faso, too, has one thing to show after their very own Spherical of 16 elimination. With star gamers like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly for Senegal and Edmond Tapsoba for Burkina Faso, this match is poised to be an intense battle. Each side shall be desperate to make amends for his or her latest shortcomings, making this a must-watch fixture.
Côte d’Ivoire vs. Zambia: The Champions’ Return
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire will kick off their qualifying marketing campaign in opposition to former AFCON winners Zambia on the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. The Ivorians, below coach Emerse Faé, have seemed formidable since their title-winning marketing campaign in February and shall be keen to start their title protection on a excessive observe.
Zambia, led by veteran coach Avram Grant, shall be no pushovers. The Chipolopolo have a historical past of rising to the event in massive matches, and this encounter will check their resolve in opposition to a robust Ivorian facet. The match is predicted to be an exhilarating contest with each groups vying for an early benefit within the qualifiers.
DR Congo vs. Guinea: A Grudge Match
The final time DR Congo and Guinea met in an TotalEnergies AFCON setting, the Congolese emerged victorious with a 3-1 win. Now, as the 2 sides put together to conflict as soon as once more, Guinea shall be longing for revenge. Each groups have a wealth of expertise, with gamers excelling in prime leagues all over the world.
Coach Kaba Diawara of Guinea has made it clear that his group is out to settle the rating. With the added motivation of qualifying for the distinguished event in Morocco, this match is predicted to be fiercely contested. Followers can anticipate a high-octane encounter with loads of ability and keenness on show.
Egypt vs. Cape Verde: The Pharaohs’ Revival
Egypt, one in all Africa’s footballing giants, is in search of to bounce again after a disappointing AFCON marketing campaign in Côte d’Ivoire. The Pharaohs have introduced again their talisman, Mohamed Salah, who may very well be the important thing to unlocking Cape Verde’s protection on this essential qualifier.
Cape Verde, nonetheless, won’t be intimidated. The island nation carried out admirably within the final AFCON and can look to hold that type into the qualifiers. This match is about to be a stern check for Egypt as they purpose to re-establish themselves as a dominant pressure in African soccer.
Algeria vs. Equatorial Guinea: A Shot at Redemption
Algeria will host Equatorial Guinea on the Miloud Hadefi Stadium on Thursday, September 5, in what guarantees to be a gripping encounter. The Algerians, below coach Vladimir Petković, are decided to proceed their latest revival after a disappointing early exit from the final TotalEnergies AFCON.
Equatorial Guinea, who defeated Algeria within the group stage of the 2021 AFCON, shall be assured heading into this match. Their efficiency lately has proven they’re greater than able to difficult Africa’s prime groups. For Algeria, this is a chance to precise revenge and make a robust assertion of their quest for qualification.
