The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is up and running after four days of group-stage action, with the opening round producing solid starts for the tournament favourites and offering an early glimpse into each team’s strengths and shortcomings.
Hosts Morocco, alongside heavyweights Senegal, Algeria and defending champions Ivory Coast, all began their campaigns with victories, ensuring a largely predictable opening phase with few major upsets. While it is still too early to draw firm conclusions, the first set of fixtures has provided useful insight into form, tactical trends and potential fault lines as the group stage progresses.
Below is a group-by-group breakdown of what unfolded and what each team can take from their opening matches.
Group A: Morocco Lay Down Marker Despite Early Miss
Results
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Morocco 2-0 Comoros
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Mali 1-1 Zambia
Observations
Despite Soufiane Rahimi missing an early penalty, hosts Morocco looked firmly in control as they extended their dominance on the continental stage. The Atlas Lions picked up where they left off in World Cup qualification, brushing aside Comoros with authority. While their recent AFCON history has been mixed, Morocco remain the standout favourites to lift the trophy on home soil. Their next test against Mali will reveal more about their true level against stronger opposition.
Comoros, however, emerged with credit despite defeat. Their disciplined defensive display suggests they are capable of pushing for a knockout place, particularly against Mali and Zambia. Their counter-attacking threat is evident, but the clash with Zambia will require them to take greater initiative.
Mali will be disappointed to have settled for a draw against Zambia after dominating proceedings. Still, their attacking play was encouraging and they appear well placed to finish second in the group. The real examination will come against Morocco, where their defensive resilience will be stretched.
Zambia once again struggled to gel in attack, with Fashion Sakala and Patson Daka failing to establish chemistry. While the Chipolopolo’s attacking play remains disjointed, their defensive performance was unexpectedly solid, suggesting there is still fight and potential within the squad.
Group B: Favourites Survive Early Scares
Results
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South Africa 2-1 Angola
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Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
Observations
Group favourites South Africa and Egypt were made to work hard for their opening victories. Bafana Bafana showed resilience against a well-organised Angola side, with Lyle Foster’s return to the scoresheet a major positive. Grinding out a win against tough opposition is an encouraging sign for a South African side eager to prove their credentials as genuine contenders.
Angola once again underlined that their 2023 quarter-final run was no accident. Their midfield remains a strong point, but inefficiency out wide and in attack cost them. Coach Patrice Beaumelle faces key selection decisions that could define their tournament.
Egypt’s narrow win over Zimbabwe did little to ease pressure on head coach Hossam Hassan. Mohamed Salah was unusually subdued, and the Pharaohs struggled more than expected against a team with limited expectations. Victory was essential, but performances will need to improve rapidly.
Zimbabwe impressed with their organisation and counter-attacking approach under Mario Marinica. While they must find ways to be more proactive, familiarity with regional rivals South Africa and Angola could play to their advantage.
Group C: Tunisia and Nigeria Favoured, Questions Remain
Results
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Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania
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Tunisia 3-1 Uganda
Observations
Nigeria and Tunisia are clear favourites to progress, but neither is without concerns. The Super Eagles, boasting stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, allowed Tanzania to make the contest uncomfortable. Nigeria’s reputation alone places them among the contenders, yet several North African and sub-Saharan rivals currently appear more balanced.
Tanzania showed spirit but lacked cutting edge. Veteran forwards Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva struggled to influence the game, while defensive solidity remains their strongest asset. A familiar clash with Uganda could offer a route to the Round of 16.
Tunisia looked far sharper in attack than during their disappointing 2023 campaign. Elias Achouri emerged as a key creative threat, adding unpredictability to a side already known for defensive discipline. Their next match against Nigeria will be a major indicator of their progress.
Uganda were overmatched, with coach Paul Put later admitting his tactical approach limited his own team’s attacking potential. The possible emergence of 17-year-old James Bogere could provide a spark moving forward.
Group D: Senegal and DR Congo Assert Control
Results
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DR Congo 1-0 Benin
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Senegal 3-0 Botswana
Observations
Senegal and DR Congo quickly established themselves as the dominant forces in Group D. Senegal looked revitalised, with Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson leading an energetic, high-tempo display. Under Pape Thiaw, the Lions of Teranga showed tactical flexibility and attacking ruthlessness.
Botswana struggled badly, overwhelmed in midfield and offering little threat up front. With no competitive win since March, their tournament outlook appears bleak.
DR Congo leaned on their formidable defence, featuring Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe. While defensively elite, questions remain in attack, particularly around veteran striker Cédric Bakambu’s effectiveness.
Benin competed admirably but lacked cutting edge. Coach Gernot Rohr will need to phase out underperforming veterans as he looks to build around emerging talent.
Group E: Algeria Gather Momentum
Results
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Burkina Faso 2-1 Equatorial Guinea
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Algeria 3-0 Sudan
Observations
Algeria made a commanding start, with Mohamed Amoura providing the attacking spark they lacked in recent tournaments. Supported by a motivated Riyad Mahrez and a solid midfield and defence, Les Verts look well positioned as North Africa’s leading contenders.
Sudan’s struggles continued, with James Kwesi Appiah’s side lacking both defensive solidity and attacking threat, making progression unlikely.
Burkina Faso needed a late surge to overcome Equatorial Guinea, but the win could prove vital. Their clash with Algeria will reveal whether they can challenge the continent’s elite.
Equatorial Guinea appear weaker than in recent editions, with key players past their peak. Their must-win match against Sudan may define their tournament.
Group F: Ivory Coast Win, Cameroon Show Promise
Results
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Ivory Coast 1-0 Mozambique
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Cameroon 1-0 Gabon
Observations
Defending champions Ivory Coast controlled proceedings against Mozambique but once again struggled to convert dominance into goals. Young attackers Amad Diallo and Yan Diomandé impressed, but concerns remain over finishing — a potential weakness in their title defence.
Mozambique showed resilience but remain overly dependent on Geny Catamo for creativity.
Cameroon quietly impressed despite pre-tournament turmoil. Karl Etta Eyong’s debut goal was a boost, though sterner tests lie ahead — starting with a pivotal clash against Ivory Coast.
Gabon’s opening was puzzling tactically, but they recovered to make the contest competitive. Limited squad depth, however, casts doubt on their ability to mount a deep run
