Afcon 2025: Group F – The Group of Death

The Africa Cup of Nations returns in 2025 with Morocco as host, and all eyes are on Group F. Dubbed the “Group of Death”, this pool brings together reigning champions, continental heavyweights, unpredictable challengers, and hungry underdogs. Matches in Marrakech and Agadir promise drama, flair, and unforgettable storylines.

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Ivory Coast – The Champions’ Burden

- Afcon Pedigree: 3 titles (1992, 2015, 2023)

- Fifa Ranking:46

Ivory Coast arrive as defending champions, carrying the weight of expectation. Their squad blends seasoned leaders with emerging stars, making them both feared and admired. Every opponent will raise their game against the Elephants, but their depth and confidence could see them march on.

Fixtures: Dec 24 v Mozambique, Marrakesh (1730), 28 v Cameroon, Marrakesh (2000), 31 v Gabon, Marrakesh (1900)

Qualifying: Group G runners-up

Results: Zambia 2-0 home 0-1 away, Sierra Leone 4-1 0-2, Chad 4-0 2-0

Leading scorers: 3 - Oumar Diakite, Jean-Philippe Krasso

Captain: Franck Kessie, midfielder

Coach: Emerse Fae (CIV)

Rankings: 7 Africa, 42 world

Previous appearances: 25

Best placing: Champions 1992, 2015, 2024

Most goals scored: Ethiopia 6-1 (1970)

Most goals conceded: Ghana 1-4 (1965), Ghana 3-4 (1968), Egypt 1-4, Ghana 2-4 (both 2008), Equatorial Guinea 0-4 (2024)

Popular name: Elephants

Cameroon – Indomitable Tradition

- Afcon Pedigree: 5 titles (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017)

- Fifa Ranking: 49

Cameroon’s name is synonymous with Afcon glory. The Indomitable Lions thrive in high-pressure tournaments, their physicality and resilience unmatched. With five titles already, they enter Group F determined to remind Africa that their roar still echoes across the continent.

Fixtures: Dec 24 v Gabon, Agadir (2000), 28 v Ivory Coast, Marrakesh (2000), 31 v Mozambique, Agadir (1900)

Qualifying: Group J winners

Results: Zimbabwe 2-1 home 0-0 away, Kenya 4-1 1-0, Namibia 1-0 0-0

Leading scorer: 3 - Vincent Aboubakar

Captain: Bryan Mbeumo, forward

Coach: David Pagou (CMR)

Rankings: 10 Africa, 57 world

Previous appearances: 21

Best placing: Champions 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017

Most goals scored: DR Congo 5-2 (1972), Zimbabwe 5-3 (2004), Zambia 5-1 (2008)

Most goals conceded: Egypt 2-4 (2008)

Popular name: Indomitable Lions

Gabon – The Dark Horses

- Afcon Pedigree: 9 appearances, best finish – quarterfinals (1996, 2012)

- Fifa Ranking: 84

Gabon are the disruptors. Compact defensively and dangerous on the counter, they relish upsetting giants. Their flair players can turn matches in an instant, and in a group this unforgiving, Gabon’s unpredictability could be their greatest weapon.

Fixtures: Dec 24 v Cameroon, Agadir (2000), 28 v Mozambique, Agadir (1230), 31 v Ivory Coast, Marrakesh (1900)

Qualifying: Group B runners-up

Results: Morocco 1-5 home 1-4 away, Lesotho 0-0 2-0, Central African Republic 2-0 1-0

Leading scorers: 2- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Shavy Babicka

Captain: Bruno Ecuele, defender

Coach: Thierry Mouyouma (GAB)

Rankings: 15 Africa, 78 world

Previous appearances: 8

Best placings: Quarterfinals 1996, 2012

Most goals scored: Morocco 3-2 (2012)

Most goals conceded: Egypt 0-4 (1994)

Popular name: Panthers

Mozambique – Hungry Underdogs

- Afcon Pedigree: 6 appearances, never beyond group stage

- Fifa Ranking: 96

Mozambique arrive with ambition and hunger. Long considered outsiders, they now dream of breaking through to the knockout rounds. Energetic and fearless, the Mambas may lack pedigree, but their determination makes them a potential spoiler in this brutal group.

Fixtures: Dec 24 v Ivory Coast, Marrakesh (1730), 28 v Gabon, Agadir (1230), 31 v Cameroon, Agadir (1900)

Qualifying: Group I runners-up

Results: Mali 0-1 home 1-1 away, Guinea-Bissau 2-1 2-1, Eswatini 1-1 3-0

Leading scorers: 3 - Stanley Ratifo

Captain: Mexer, defender

Coach: Chiquinho Conde (MOZ)

Rankings: 22 Africa, 102 world

Previous appearances: 5

Best placings: First round

Most goals scored: Benin 2-2 (2010), Egypt 2-2, Ghana 2-2 (both 2024)

Most goals conceded: Ivory Coast 0-3 (1986), Morocco 0-3 (1998), Nigeria 0-3 (2010), Cape Verde 0-3 (2024)

Popular name: Mambas

GROUP F DYNAMICS

Ivory Coast and Cameroon are favourites, but Gabon’s unpredictability and Mozambique’s hunger ensure no fixture is straightforward. Every clash is high-stakes, every point precious. Expect fireworks, upsets, and the kind of drama that defines Afcon folklore.

Group F is more than just a collection of teams — it’s a collision of history, ambition, and raw emotion. Whether it’s Ivory Coast defending their crown, Cameroon chasing a sixth title, Gabon plotting an upset, or Mozambique seeking their breakthrough, this group embodies the essence of African football: passion, unpredictability, and spectacle.