13 nations fight for knockout tickets In final games in AFCON

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 enters its decisive group-stage finale on Monday, with qualification still up for grabs for the majority of the 24-nation field and the tournament’s trademark late drama looming large.

Three heavyweights have already sealed progression to the Round of 16 with games to spare. Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria — each winners of their first two matches — sit pretty on six points and are guaranteed top-two finishes in their respective groups.

For the remaining 21 teams, the final round of fixtures, staged over three tension-soaked days, will determine automatic qualifiers, group winners, and the four best third-placed sides who will join them in the knockouts.

Monday’s slate delivers instant suspense, with simultaneous kick-offs engineered to amplify the tension.

In Group B, Egypt’s flawless start has placed them clear at the summit, but the race behind them is razor-thin.

South Africa occupy second on three points and know a win against Zimbabwe will erase all uncertainty.

Angola and Zimbabwe are level on one point, and the Palancas Negras face the daunting task of shocking Egypt while hoping other results open a path to qualification.

With goal difference tightly contested, one decisive moment could swing the balance.

The spotlight shifts to Group A later on Monday, where hosts Morocco lead on four points but are not yet mathematically secure. Mali and Zambia are knotted on two points, while Comoros trail by just one.

The Atlas Lions square off against a resilient Zambia side that has already demonstrated survival instincts, while Mali confront Comoros in a high-risk duel that could easily morph into a winner-takes-all battle for progression.

Tuesday’s action features Group C, where Nigeria — already qualified — meet Uganda in what could still shape the group’s final hierarchy.

Tunisia sit second on three points and aim to complete the job against Tanzania, but both Uganda and Tanzania remain within striking distance of third-placed salvation.

The permutations ensure that neither underdog can afford a cautious approach.

On the same day, Group D promises a final-day squeeze worthy of AFCON folklore.

Senegal and DR Congo share top spot on four points each, Benin lurk one behind on three, while Botswana hunt a maiden point.

DR Congo will back themselves to capitalise against Botswana, but Senegal’s clash with Benin is fraught with jeopardy — a match where first place, automatic qualification, or elimination are all possible depending on how the night unfolds.

Wednesday closes the curtain on the group phase with compelling narratives in Groups E and F.

Algeria, qualified from Group E, could still influence the fate of Burkina Faso and Sudan, both level on three points and separated by slim margins.

Meanwhile, Mozambique (three points) remain live contenders in Group F’s final evening, where Cameroon and defending champions Cote d’Ivoire sit joint-top on four points.

With Gabon already eliminated, the final slot could still ignite into a late-night scramble.

If the tournament’s first two rounds have proven anything, it is that AFCON seldom respects the script.

From own goals that rewrite outcomes to celebrations that spark flashpoints, the competition has once again reaffirmed its unpredictability.

With qualification, pride and tactical gambits colliding across six groups, the final-day fixtures are primed for defining twists.

Final Round of Group-Stage Fixtures

Monday, 29 December 2025

16:00 — Angola vs Egypt16:00 — Zimbabwe vs South Africa19:00 — Zambia vs Morocco19:00 — Comoros vs Mali

Tuesday, 30 December 2025

16:00 — Uganda vs Nigeria16:00 — Tanzania vs Tunisia19:00 — Benin vs Senegal19:00 — Botswana vs DR Congo

Wednesday, 31 December 2025

16:00 — Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria16:00 — Sudan vs Burkina Faso19:00 — Gabon vs Cote d’Ivoire19:00 — Mozambique vs Cameroon