AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Complete: A Year of Anticipation Awaits

The road to the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has officially concluded, with 24 nations securing their spots for what promises to be a thrilling tournament in Morocco.

But with more than 12 months remaining before the tournament kicks off, there will be a need to We've compiled several strategies to ensure the energy surrounding AFCON stays strong.

The qualification campaign, which began in September 2024, featured 48 African teams battling for a chance to represent their countries at the continent’s premier football competition. The qualifiers were filled with moments of jubilation, disappointment, and plenty of drama—capturing the unpredictable nature of African football.

Countries like Zimbabwe and Botswana are celebrating returns to the competition after long absences of 2 and 12 years, respectively, adding extra flavour to next year’s tournament. The final qualification berth was claimed by Mozambique, who triumphed 2-1 over Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, completing the roster for the highly anticipated event next year.

Morocco, the tournament hosts, earned an automatic spot, but they also demonstrated their undeniable form, finishing atop their qualifying group with a perfect record of 18 points. Meanwhile, other African football powerhouses, such as Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, Zambia, Mali, and Cameroon, secured their places in the tournament by topping their groups. South Africa also impressed, finishing unbeaten in their group and earning a vital 3-0 victory over South Sudan.

However, the qualifiers were not without surprises. Perhaps the most shocking development was Ghana’s failure to win a single match in the qualifying stage, despite being Africa’s highest-ranked team.

Their absence from the competition will certainly raise eyebrows. The final day of qualifiers added to the drama, with Sudan and Benin clinching their spots in a nail-biting finish.

Group Breakdown and Highlights

As the 24 qualified teams take shape, the diversity and competitiveness of African football have never been more evident.

Here’s a quick recap of some of the most notable qualification groupings:

Group A: Comoros finished at the top with 12 points, narrowly edging out Tunisia, who earned 10. Botswana secured qualification with 8 points, aided by a crucial draw in Cairo against Egypt. Egypt finished at the top of the group with 14 points, maintaining their reputation as one of Africa's best.

Group B: Morocco dominated with a perfect 18-point record, which included an emphatic 7-0 victory over Lesotho. Gabon finished second with 10 points, securing their return to the competition.

Group F: Angola emerged as the surprise leaders with 14 points, while Ghana’s dismal run left them winless and out of contention, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the competition.

Group G: Zambia secured their spot with 13 points, while Ivory Coast, the defending champions, finished with 12 points to qualify. Both teams will bring great promise to Morocco next year.

Group H: DR Congo and Tanzania, two countries with solid footballing histories, secured their spots with 12 and 10 points, respectively, and will bring excitement to the tournament.

Group J & L: Zimbabwe and Cameroon topped Group J, while Senegal led Group L with 16 points, edging out Burkina Faso by 6 points. Both Senegal and Cameroon’s strong showings indicate they will be among the favourites come next year.        

The Road Ahead: Keeping Fans Engaged

As AFCON 2025 approaches, the excitement is palpable, but with more than 12 months remaining before the tournament kicks off, there will be a need to keep fans engaged and maintain the momentum that the qualifiers have generated.

Here are several strategies to ensure the energy surrounding AFCON stays strong:

Interactive Fan Engagement:

Social media and digital platforms can play a pivotal role in keeping the conversation alive. Engaging fans with polls, behind-the-scenes content, player interviews, and historical moments from past AFCON tournaments will help sustain interest in the build-up.

Throwback content showcasing iconic matches or fan celebrations from previous editions can help build the excitement and anticipation.

Qualifiers Recap Shows and Documentaries:

As many nations may not be familiar with all the qualifiers or the dramatic journeys that certain teams took to qualify, in-depth documentaries and recap shows on TV, streaming platforms, and social media can help fans relive the most memorable moments.

Highlighting the stories of emerging teams like Mozambique, Zambia, and Benin will captivate fans and showcase the growing competitiveness of African football.

National Pride Campaigns:

National football associations can initiate campaigns that celebrate their teams’ qualification, with community events, fan meet-ups, and countdowns.

These initiatives will enhance the connection between the teams and their supporters, boosting morale and excitement as the tournament draws closer.

Youth Engagement and Grassroots Football:

In the year leading up to AFCON, it’s crucial to nurture the next generation of football lovers. Organising youth tournaments, football clinics, and partnerships with schools across Africa will help to create an organic buzz and increase the involvement of younger fans in the sport.

Official Merchandise and Branding:

Rolling out official merchandise like jerseys, scarves, and flags, along with limited-edition collectibles, can keep the momentum going.

Offering special discounts or contests for fans purchasing the merchandise will increase anticipation and create a connection between supporters and the tournament.

Media Partnerships:

Broadcasting networks and online platforms should create special segments, live panel discussions, and debates on team preparations, the impact of the tournament on African football, and what to expect from the tournament.

Coverage of local leagues and players from the qualifying teams can also heighten interest.

Looking Ahead to Morocco 2025

The qualifiers for AFCON 2025 have left fans eagerly awaiting next year’s tournament, which promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a mix of familiar powerhouses and new challengers, this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be a showcase of African talent and passion.

As the countdown to Morocco continues, fans across the continent will be holding their breath in anticipation of the next chapter in African football.

The road to Morocco has been filled with surprises, and as the tournament draws closer, it’s clear that AFCON 2025 will deliver footballing drama, skill, and intensity. With 12 months to go, the excitement has only just begun. Fans, players, and teams alike will be gearing up for a historic contest that will define the future of African football.

WATCH THIS SPACE to see what ProTouch has in store for fans to start collecting their favourite team Super Fan badges and unlocking even more value!