AFCON 2025: Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt watch as Africa awaits final five qualifiers

The race to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, is reaching fever pitch as Matchday 6 of the qualifiers sees five coveted spots still undecided, Soccernet.ng reports. 

With the tournament set to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, 19 teams, including Nigeria, South Africa, and reigning champions Cote d'Ivoire, have already secured their places in Africa's premier football event.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles guaranteed their spot in the penultimate round, courtesy of Libya’s earlier 1-0 victory over Rwanda, which ensured Nigeria would finish in the top two of Group D.

The group’s final games remain critical, as Libya, Rwanda, and Benin all have a shot at claiming second place.

Victor Osimhen scored as Nigeria fought back for a 1-1 draw against Benin to seal Group D's top spot, leaving the Cheetahs with work to do against Libya's Knights. 

Libya can overtake Benin with a win in Monday’s home clash, while Rwanda face the herculean task of beating group leaders Nigeria in Uyo.

Elsewhere, other groups are poised for dramatic conclusions.

In Group I, Guinea-Bissau face Mozambique in a winner-takes-all battle, while Tanzania hosts Guinea in Group H for another decisive contest.

Meanwhile, Sudan only need a draw against Angola to seal Group F’s second spot, but a loss could allow Niger to snatch qualification.

Botswana in Group C must fend off Cape Verde and Mauritania while navigating a daunting away match against already-qualified Egypt.

AFCON 2025 Qualified Teams

1. Morocco (hosts),
2. Algeria,
3. Angola,
4. Burkina Faso,
5. Cameroon,
6. Comoros,
7. Côte d’Ivoire,
8. DR Congo,
9. Egypt,
10. Equatorial Guinea,
11. Gabon,
12. Mali,
13. Mozambique,
14. Nigeria,
15. Senegal,
16. South Africa,
17. Tunisia,
18. Uganda, 
19. Zimbabwe