The Digest:
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will commence on Sunday, 21 December in Morocco, offering a festive feast of football over the Christmas and New Year period. The expanded 24-team tournament, featuring heavyweights like hosts Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, and defending champions Ivory Coast, will be played across nine venues with the final scheduled for 18 January.
Key Points:
- AFCON 2025 kicks off on 21 December in Morocco, concluding with the final on 18 January 2025.
- Hosts Morocco are the overwhelming favourites, riding an 18-match winning streak.
- The 24 teams are divided into six groups, with the top two and four best third-place teams advancing.
- Matches will be played in nine stadiums across six Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech.
- Clubs must release players for the tournament by 15 December, a later date that has drawn criticism from coaches.
- Key group stage clashes include Morocco vs. Mali, Egypt vs. South Africa, and Nigeria vs. Tunisia.
- The knockout stages begin on 3 January, with the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
- This edition marks the first time the tournament will be held entirely during the European club season.
This historic winter schedule promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle but also sets the stage for a clash between continental pride and club commitments.
Sources: BBC Sport Africa, CAF
