The Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed that the preliminary draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will unfold today at its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. This pivotal event marks the beginning of the journey towards AFCON 2025, with CAF emphasizing the significance of this draw through an official statement released on Monday.
Scheduled to commence at 14:00 local time , the draw will determine the matchups for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, Morocco 2025 preliminary round. The statement specified that the preliminary round will feature the eight lowest-ranked teams according to the FIFA ranking: Somalia, Djibouti, Sao Tome, Chad, Mauritius, South Sudan, Liberia, and Eswatini.
The matches in this round are slated to be played on a home-and-away basis during the FIFA Window from March 18 to March 26. This format adds an extra layer of anticipation and unpredictability to the preliminary stage, as these teams vie for a coveted spot in the AFCON 2025 group stage.
The ultimate prize for the four victorious teams in the preliminary round will be the chance to join the 44 exempted teams for the subsequent group stage of AFCON 2025. This progression elevates the stakes for the eight lowest-ranked teams, offering them a shot at competing on the grand stage alongside football powerhouses.
Reflecting on the just-concluded 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where the host team, the Elephants, secured victory with a 2-1 win over the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the final, the anticipation for AFCON 2025 has reached fever pitch. Football enthusiasts around the continent are eager to witness the unfolding drama and narratives that will shape the journey towards crowning the next AFCON champion.
As the preliminary draw sets the stage for football's next frontier, fans, players, and pundits alike are poised for a thrilling spectacle that promises to showcase the diversity, skill, and passion that define African football. The road to AFCON 2025 has officially begun, and the continent awaits with bated breath to see which teams will emerge triumphant in this crucial preliminary round.
