24 teams battle for continental glory as AFCON begins in Morocco
By Tosin Omojola –
Africa’s biggest football showpiece will get under way tomorrow, with 24 countries vying for the coveted trophy.
The countries have been grouped into six groups, with Group A comprising hosts Morocco, Mali, Zambia and Comoros, while Group B has Angola, Egypt, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
In Group C are Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda, while Benin Republic, Rwanda, Senegal and DR Congo battle for glory in Group D.
Group E has Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso and Sudan, with Cameroon, Gabon, Ivory Coast and Mozambique pitted in Group F.
Hostilities commence on Sunday, December 21, with the opening game between hosts, the Atlas Lions of Morocco, and debutants Comoros setting the ball rolling.
The grand finale will hold on January 18, 2026.
Eight stadia — Tangier Grand Stadium (Tangier), Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat), Stade Mohammed V (Casablanca), Adrar Stadium (Agadir), Marrakesh Stadium (Marrakesh), Fez Stadium (Fez), Moulay Hassan Stadium (Rabat) and Al Medina Stadium (Rabat) — will host all the matches of the tournament.
The much-anticipated opening ceremony on Sunday, featuring, among others, Nigeria’s globally acclaimed singer Davido at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, will be followed by the opening match between hosts Morocco and Comoros, with the Atlas Lions hoping for a great start to continue their impressive run in international football.
