By Atoyebi Nike
The final round of group-stage matches at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will begin on Monday, with qualification for the knockout stage still undecided for most teams.
The Confederation of African Football said only three countries Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria have confirmed places in the Round of 16 after winning their opening two matches. The remaining qualification spots will be determined during the last set of group fixtures.
CAF explained that the final games will decide the top two teams in each group, who qualify automatically, as well as the best third-placed teams that will advance to the knockout phase.
In a statement issued on Monday, CAF said the closing round of matches would be played simultaneously within each group to ensure fairness and increase competitiveness.
Group B sees Egypt already qualified with six points, but the battle for the remaining positions remains open. South Africa is second with three points and will face Zimbabwe, while Angola and Zimbabwe are tied on one point. Angola needs a victory against Egypt and favorable results elsewhere to progress.
In Group A, hosts Morocco lead with four points. Mali and Zambia are level on two points each, while Comoros have one point. Morocco will play Zambia, while Mali takes on Comoros to determine the final group standings.
On Tuesday, Group C fixtures will be decided. Nigeria has already qualified and will face Uganda. Tunisia, on three points, will play Tanzania, with all three teams behind Nigeria still mathematically in contention.
Group D also remains tightly contested. Senegal and DR Congo are joint leaders on four points, Benin has three points, while Botswana is yet to record a point. Senegal will play Benin, while DR Congo will face Botswana.
The group stage will conclude on Wednesday. In Group E, Algeria has secured qualification, while Burkina Faso and Sudan are tied on three points and competing for the remaining slot. In Group F, Cameroon and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire are level on four points, with Mozambique still in contention on three points, despite Gabon’s elimination.
CAF said the final group matches, spread over three days, are expected to determine the remaining qualifiers in what has been a closely contested tournament.
AFCON 2025 Group Stage Reaches Climax as Knockout Race Intensifies.
