The Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco enters its decisive phase on Monday as the final round of group-stage fixtures kicks off, with qualification still hanging in the balance for most of the field. True to AFCON tradition, late drama looks inevitable. AFCON merchandise
Three heavyweights — Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria — have already secured their places in the Round of 16 after winning their opening two matches. For the rest, the final group games will determine not only who finishes in the top two but also which sides can cling to hope through the race for the best third-placed spots.
Group B: Egypt safe, chaos behind
Egypt’s perfect start has them clear on six points and safely through, but the battle behind remains fierce. South Africa, second on three points, know victory over Zimbabwe would guarantee progression. Angola, level on one point with Zimbabwe, face the daunting task of upsetting Egypt while hoping other results tilt in their favor. With goal difference tight, a single swing could prove decisive.
Group A: Hosts Morocco still under pressure
Hosts Morocco top Group A on four points but are not yet assured of safety. Mali and Zambia sit locked on two points, while Comoros remain alive with one. Monday night’s fixtures could flip the group upside down: Morocco face Zambia, who have already shown resilience, while Mali cannot afford a slip against Comoros in what may become a straight shootout for qualification. Nigerian football jerseys
Group C: Nigeria Through, Tunisia on Edge
Tuesday’s action sees Nigeria, already qualified, take on Uganda. Tunisia, on three points, must handle business against Tanzania. Yet both Tanzania and Uganda remain capable of sneaking through with a strong finish, leaving no room for complacency.
Group D: Final-Day Squeeze
Senegal and DR Congo are level on four points, Benin trail by one, and Botswana chase their first point. DR Congo will expect opportunities against Botswana, but Senegal’s clash with Benin carries high stakes: first place, automatic qualification, and even elimination are all possible outcomes depending on results.
Group E: Algeria Await Their Companion
Algeria are safely through, but Burkina Faso and Sudan — level on three points — will battle for the second spot. Fine margins could decide who joins the North Africans in the knockout rounds.
Group F: Champions Under Threat
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon are tied on four points, with Mozambique lurking just behind on three. Gabon are already eliminated, but the final evening promises a scramble for survival and supremacy.
Fixtures to Watch
The final group games span three days, promising twists at every turn:
Monday, 29 December
• 16:00 — Angola vs Egypt
• 16:00 — Zimbabwe vs South Africa
• 19:00 — Zambia vs Morocco
• 19:00 — Comoros vs Mali
Tuesday, 30 December
• 16:00 — Uganda vs Nigeria
• 16:00 — Tanzania vs Tunisia
• 19:00 — Benin vs Senegal
• 19:00 — Botswana vs DR Congo
Wednesday, 31 December
• 16:00 — Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria
• 16:00 — Sudan vs Burkina Faso
• 19:00 — Gabon vs Côte d’Ivoire
• 19:00 — Mozambique vs Cameroon
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