Central African Teams Gear Up for Competitive AFCON 2025 in Morocco
The Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 is perfectly to be a highly competitive tournament, with four teams from the Central African region (UNIFFAC) aiming to make a strong impact.
Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the four representatives of the region who will be aiming to emerge victorious at the finals set for 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026 in Morocco.
Cameroon: Hungry for a Sixth Star
History: 5 titles (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017)
Last Performance: Round of 16 (AFCON 2023)
Key Strengths: Led by the Belgian coach Marc Brys, Cameroon enters this tournament with a clear goal of reclaiming the title.
With emerging talents like Carlos Baleba and established players like Bryan Mbeumo, the team is aiming for their sixth continental crown. Despite a disappointing exit in 2023, they are determined to bounce back.
Group F Matches for Cameroon:
24/12/2025: Cameroon vs. Gabon (Stade Adrar, Agadir)
28/12/2025: Côte d’Ivoire vs. Cameroon (Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech)
31/12/2025: Cameroon vs. Mozambique (Stade Adrar, Agadir)
Gabon: Ready to Roar
History: 8 participations, with best performances in 1996 and 2012 (quarterfinals)
Last Performance: Round of 16 (AFCON 2021)
Key Strengths: Gabon is back in the tournament with a young and dynamic squad. The team, led by captain Bruno Ecuele Manga, has a promising blend of technical skill and offensive power. Gabon’s coach, Thierry Mouyouma, is hopeful that his team can make it past the group stage and into the quarterfinals.
Group F Matches for Gabon:
24/12/2025: Cameroon vs. Gabon (Stade Adrar, Agadir)
28/12/2025: Gabon vs. Mozambique (Stade Adrar, Agadir)
31/12/2025: Gabon vs. Côte d’Ivoire (Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech)
Equatorial Guinea: A Troublemaker in the Group Stage
History: 4 participations, best finish 4th place (2015)
Last Performance: Round of 16 (AFCON 2023)
Key Strengths: Equatorial Guinea has become known for its resilience and unpredictability. They are coming off a strong 2023 performance and are looking to continue their success despite a tough group, which includes Algeria.
With a solid squad and the experience of previous upsets, Equatorial Guinea has what it takes to surprise their opponents again.
Group E Matches for Equatorial Guinea:
24/12/2025: Burkina Faso vs. Equatorial Guinea (Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca)
28/12/2025: Equatorial Guinea vs. Sudan (Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca)
31/12/2025: Equatorial Guinea vs. Algeria (Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan, Rabat)
DR Congo: Determined to Overcome
History: 19 participations, 2 titles (1968, 1974)
Last Performance: 4th place (CAN 2023)
Key Strengths: The DRC’s performance in the 2023 edition—finishing just outside the podium in 4th place—has fuelled a renewed sense of determination.
The team, under coach Sébastien Desabre, has shown great team cohesion and is poised for another strong campaign, aiming to break into the top ranks once again.
Group D Matches for DR Congo:
23/12/2025: DR Congo vs. Benin (Stade Al Barid, Rabat)
28/12/2025: Senegal vs. DR Congo (Grande Stade de Tanger, Tanger)
30/12/2025: Botswana vs. DR Congo (Stade Al Barid, Rabat)
