2025 AFCON Draw Revealed

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage draw took place on January 27, 2025, at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco. This tournament, set to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will be Morocco’s second time hosting the prestigious competition.

Ghana’s Absence from the 2025 AFCON, 2025 AFCON Draw

A surprising twist in the draw is the absence of the Ghana national football team. Ghana, a four-time AFCON champion, failed to qualify for this edition of the tournament. Their elimination came after a 1-1 draw with Angola on November 15, 2024. As a result, the Black Stars, known for their historical dominance in African football, will not compete in this year’s tournament.

Sudan Faces Tough Challenge Under Kwasi Appiah

For Sudan, coach Kwasi Appiah will face a tough road ahead in the 2025 AFCON. Sudan has been placed in a challenging group filled with strong teams. These teams have historically performed well in AFCON, making the group stage draw particularly difficult for Sudan. With such strong opponents, it will take immense effort for Sudan to advance.

Group Stage Format and Qualification

The 2025 AFCON features 24 teams, divided into six groups of four. From each group, the top two teams will advance, alongside the four best third-placed teams. This format creates more opportunities for teams to progress, making the tournament more competitive than ever. The knockout rounds will begin after the group stages, heightening the stakes as teams vie for the continental title.

Looking Ahead to the Tournament

As the tournament draws near, the absence of Ghana and the difficult group stage for Sudan remind us of the unpredictability of African football. Teams are preparing intensively, knowing that every match counts. For those with challenging group-stage draws, the road to qualification will be particularly demanding.