Afcon 2025 Feature: Group A: Atlas Lions, Eagles, Chipolopolo and Coelacanths Collide

Group A kicks off the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with the hosts joined by Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. It’s a group that blends pedigree, passion, and unpredictability.

Morocco carry the weight of home advantage, Mali bring consistency and flair, Zambia arrive with ambition rooted in past glory and Comoros seek to prove their rise is no fluke.

MOROCCO – The Atlas Lions’ Homecoming

- Afcon Pedigree: Champions in 1976

- Finals Appearances: 20th

Morocco enter as hosts and continental contenders. With a squad stacked with European stars and a tactical identity forged in recent World Cup success, the Atlas Lions are expected to dominate. The pressure of home soil is immense, but so is the opportunity to deliver a historic triumph.

Fixtures: Dec 21 v Comoros, Rabat (1900), 26 v Mali, Rabat (1900), 29 v Zambia, Rabat (1730)

Qualifying: Group B winners

Results: Gabon 4-1 home 5-1 away, Lesotho 7-0 1-0, Central African Republic 5-0 4-0

Leading scorer: 7 - Brahim Diaz

Captain: Achraf Hakimi, defender

Coach: Walid Regragui (MAR)

Rankings: 1 Africa, 11 world

Previous appearances: 19

Best placing: Champions 1976

Most goals scored: Namibia 5-1 (2008)

Most goals conceded: Uganda 0-3 (1978)

Popular name: Atlas Lions

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MALI – The Eagles’ Consistency

- Afcon Pedigree: Runners-up in 1972

- Finals Appearances: 13th

Mali are perennial dark horses. Known for producing technically gifted players and resilient performances, they consistently reach the latter stages but have yet to lift the trophy. Group A offers them a chance to stake their claim as genuine title contenders.

Fixtures: Dec 22 v Zambia, Casablanca (1430), 26 v Morocco, Rabat (1900), 29 v Comoros, Casablanca (1730)

Qualifying: Group I winners

Results: Mozambique 1-1 home 1-0 away, Guinea-Bissau 1-0 0-0, Eswatini 6-0 1-0

Leading scorer: 3 - Nene Dorgeles

Captain: Hamari Traore, defender

Coach: Tom Saintfiet (BEL)

Rankings: 8 Africa, 54 world

Previous appearances: 13

Best placing: Runners-up 1972

Most goals scored: Mauritania 4-1 (2019)

Most goals conceded: Zambia 0-4 (1994), Morocco 0-4 (2004)

Popular name: Eagles

ZAMBIA – The Chipolopolo’s Ambition

- Afcon Pedigree: Champions in 2012

- Finals Appearances: 19th

Zambia’s unforgettable 2012 triumph remains etched in Afcon folklore. Since then, they’ve battled to recapture that magic. With a blend of youthful energy and experienced campaigners, the Chipolopolo arrive in Morocco determined to prove they can rise again.

Fixtures: Dec 22 v Mali, Casablanca (1430), 26 v Comoros, Casablanca (1430), 29 v Morocco, Rabat (1730)

Qualifying: Group G winners

Results: Ivory Coast 1-0 home 0-2 away, Sierra Leone 3-2 2-0, Chad 0-0 1-0

Leading scorer: 4 - Kennedy Musonda

Captain: Lubambo Musonda, defender

Coach: Moses Sichone (ZAM)

Rankings: 19 Africa, 90 world

Previous appearances: 18

Best placing: Champions 2012

Most goals scored: Burkina Faso 5-1 (1996)

Most goals conceded: Egypt 1-5 (2008)

Popular name: Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets)

COMORES – The Coelacanths’ Rising Tide

- Afcon Pedigree: Debut in 2021, reached Round of 16

- Finals Appearances: 2nd

Comoros are the group’s underdogs, but their spirited performances in recent tournaments have made them fan favourites. Compact defensively and fearless in attack, they thrive on upsetting bigger names. Group A is their chance to show their rise is sustainable.

GROUP DYNAMICS

- Favourites: Morocco, with home advantage and star power.

- Challenger: Mali, consistent performers hungry for a breakthrough.

- Wild Card: Zambia, capable of rekindling past glory.

- Underdog: Comoros, fearless and unpredictable.

Group A is a clash of tradition, ambition, and emerging force. Morocco’s homecoming, Mali’s consistency, Zambia’s ambition and Comoros’ rise combine to create a compelling opening chapter to Afcon 2025.

Group A embodies Afcon’s essence: giants under pressure, challengers chasing history and underdogs daring to dream.

Every fixture will carry weight, every point will matter, and the drama will set the tone for the tournament ahead.