The stage is set for a dramatic showdown as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) prepares to unveil the groups for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with all 48 participating nations eagerly awaiting their fate. The much-anticipated draw takes place today, Thursday, July 4th, in Johannesburg, South Africa, and promises to ignite the road to Morocco 2025.
The crème de la crème of African football will occupy Pot 1, boasting powerhouses like reigning champions Senegal, the ever-present threat of Nigeria and Ivory Coast, and the experience of Tunisia and Algeria. Kenya’s Harambee Stars, positioned in Pot 3, can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they’ll avoid the likes of minnows Central African Republic and Sudan, but tougher challenges surely await.
The draw will pit teams from each pot into 12 groups (Groups A-L). The top two finishers in each group, with the exception of the group containing host nation Morocco, will secure their place at the continental showpiece. However, Morocco’s automatic qualification adds a wrinkle to the equation. Should the Atlas Lions finish top of their group, the second-placed team progresses. Conversely, if Morocco finishes runners-up, the group winner qualifies alongside them. If Morocco falls to third or fourth, they’ll still join the group winner in the finals.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars are guaranteed to face a heavyweight from Pot 1, with the likes of Nigeria and Senegal looming large. Pot 2 offers a slightly less daunting prospect, with teams like Cape Verde and Burkina Faso in the mix. But the final hurdle lies in Pot 4, where unpredictable teams like Zimbabwe and The Gambia could make life difficult.
The drama will unfold live from Johannesburg at 3:30 PM (East African Time). The legendary duo of 2023 AFCON winning coach CAF Emerse Fae and former Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh will conduct the draw, which will be streamed live on CAF’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.
