By Boris Esono
Football Writer, kick442.com-Cameroon
The Atlas Lions of Morocco have been drawn in Group A of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2025 in Group A, alongside Mali, Zambia and Comoros. The highly-anticipated showpiece kicks off on December 21, 2025, with the host Morocco facing off against Comoros.
The draw was conducted on Monday, January 27 at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, with the Atlas Lions aiming to win the AFCON title for only the second time in their history, and a first since 1976. But they will have to contend with the other teams in the group, who will equally be seeking to pick up the title.
Morocco, ranked among Africa’s top teams, are favourites to advance, lifted by passionate home support and their recent success in international tournaments, including a historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Atlas Lions will face a stern test against Mali, a side known for their robust play and impressive performances in previous AFCON editions. Mali reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 tournament under coach Eric Chelle and will be looking to cause an upset against the hosts.
Zambia, the 2012 AFCON champions, bring a mix of experience and youthful energy, with their sights set on a return to glory. The Chipolopolo of Zambia will be no pushover, as they aim to progress deep into the tournament. Since winning the tournament in 2012, Zambia has failed to progress out of their group in previous editions. At the 2023 edition, they failed to progress out of the group, after they had failed to even qualify for the 2017, 2019 and 2021 editions.
Les Coelacantes of Comoros, appearing in only their second AFCON, will relish the underdog status. After their surprising debut in 2021, where they reached the Round of 16, the island nation will be eager to defy expectations yet again.
Under head coach Walid Regragui, Morocco’s squad is packed with talent, including the likes of PSG’s Achraf Hakimi. The Atlas Lions are determined to secure their second AFCON title. The Atlas Lions will also be also under pressure to deliver not only on the pitch but also in hosting a world-class tournament, which CAF president Dr Motsepe said will be the most-successful, most-competitive and most-exciting in the history of the competition.
The AFCON 2025 features 24 teams competing in six groups, with the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout stages. Matches will be held across six Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier.
Morocco’s Group A opener against Comoros on December 21, 2025, is expected to set the tone for a memorable competition, with millions of fans across the continent watching closely. The arena is set, and the Atlas Lions are ready to roar and devour. The question for the host now is: can they handle the pressure of hosting the competition and deliver on home soil?
Copyright©2024 kick442.com-Cameroon
All rights reserved. This material and any other digital content on this platform may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, written, or distributed in full or in part, without written permission from our management.
This site is not responsible for the content displayed by external sites
English 
French