The final phase of the 2025 African Cup of Nations started at a brisk pace, with a first day generally mastered by the continent’s major teams. Several favorites hit hard from the start, while a few posters have already delivered more balanced duels.
The first day of CAN 2025 ended with clear lessons in all groups. Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast and even Tunisia responded, laying the foundations for a competition that promises to be fierce. Overview of the results and first rankings.
Group A: Morocco ideally launches its tournament
The host country did not hesitate to enter the fray. Morocco won with authority against the Comoros (2-0), taking sole lead of the group. In the other meeting, Mali and Zambia neutralized each other (1-1), leaving the two selections tied behind the Atlas Lions.
Ranking: Morocco (3 pts), Mali (1 pt), Zambia (1 pt), Comoros (0 pt)
Group B: Egypt and South Africa neck and neck
Egypt held its place by dominating Zimbabwe (2-1), while South Africa won by the same score against Angola. The two group favorites start with three points each and take an option on qualification.
Ranking: Egypt (3 pts), South Africa (3 pts), Angola (0 pts), Zimbabwe (0 pts)
Group C: Tunisia and Nigeria hit hard
Tunisia made a convincing start by winning against Uganda (3-1), displaying great collective control. Nigeria also provided the essentials against Tanzania (2-1). The Carthage Eagles and the Super Eagles share the lead of the group.
Ranking: Tunisia (3 pts), Nigeria (3 pts), Tanzania (0 pts), Uganda (0 pts)
Group D: Senegal in charge
Reigning champion, Senegal left Botswana no chance (3-0), confirming its favorite status. DR Congo, for its part, got the better of Benin (1-0), settling just behind the Lions of Teranga.
Ranking: Senegal (3 pts), DR Congo (3 pts), Benin (0 pts), Botswana (0 pts)
Group E: Algeria responds
Algeria scored a clear victory against Sudan (3-0), sending a strong signal to its competitors. Burkina Faso also won against Equatorial Guinea (2-1), placing the two teams at the top of the group.
Ranking: Algeria (3 pts), Burkina Faso (3 pts), Equatorial Guinea (0 pts), Sudan (0 pts)
Group F: narrow successes for Ivory Coast and Cameroon
Ivory Coast achieved a valuable success against Mozambique (1-0), as did Cameroon against Gabon by the same score. The two selections ideally start in a group which promises to be tight.
Ranking: Ivory Coast (3 pts), Cameroon (3 pts), Mozambique (0 pts), Gabon (0 pts)
