AFCON 2025: Knockout drama as final group games begin

The final round of group stage matches at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 began on Monday with qualification still on the line for most of the field — and the familiar AFCON promise of late drama firmly intact.

Three teams already booked their places in the Round of 16 after winning their opening two matches: Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria. 

For everyone else, the final group games will decide not only who finishes in the top two — and qualifies automatically — but also which sides can keep their hopes alive through the race for the best third-placed spots.

The tension rises on Tuesday as Nigeria, already qualified from Group C, take on Uganda. 

That leaves Tunisia, on three points, aiming to do the job against Tanzania — but with both Tanzania and Uganda still capable of snatching a place through a strong finish.

There is no margin for complacency.

In Group D, the numbers suggest a classic final-day squeeze: Senegal and DR Congo are level on four points, Benin are just one behind on three, and Botswana are chasing a first point. 

DR Congo will expect opportunities against Botswana, but Senegal’s meeting with Benin carries obvious jeopardy — with first place, automatic qualification and potential elimination all still possible outcomes depending on the results.

Wednesday brings the closing chapter of the group phase. 

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Algeria, already through from Group E, could yet influence who joins them, with Burkina Faso and Sudan level on three points and separated by fine margins.

In Group F, Cameroon and defending champions Cote d’Ivoire are level on four points, while Mozambique remain close enough on three to turn the final evening into a scramble — even with Gabon already eliminated.

If the opening two rounds have taught anything, it is that AFCON rarely follows a script.

The final group games, spread across three days, look set to deliver the decisive twists.

Final round of group-stage fixtures (all times GMT)

Tuesday 30 December

16:00 — Uganda vs Nigeria

16:00 — Tanzania vs Tunisia

19:00 — Benin vs Senegal

19:00 — Botswana vs Congo DR

Wednesday 31 December

16:00 — Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria

16:00 — Sudan vs Burkina Faso

19:00 — Gabon vs Cote d’Ivoire

19:00 — Mozambique vs Cameroon.

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