Stage Set for AFCON 2025 Preliminary Round Draw

The much anticipated preliminary draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20, at the Confederation of African Football CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The draw, set to commence at 14h00 local time 12h00 GMT, will feature the eight lowest ranked teams according to the latest FIFA rankings.

These teams include Somalia, Djibouti, Sao Tome, Chad, Mauritius, South Sudan, Liberia, and Eswatini. They will compete in home and away matches during the FIFA window of March 18-26, 2024. The victors of these preliminary rounds will advance to join the 44 teams already exempted from this stage, moving on to the group phase of the competition. Morocco has been announced as the host country for this edition of Africa’s premier football tournament, following the triumph of the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the previous edition.

Editorial

As we edge closer to the preliminary draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the air is thick with anticipation and excitement. This event marks not just the beginning of another cycle in African football but also a testament to the continent’s growing football prowess and organizational capabilities. The inclusion of the eight lowest ranked teams in this preliminary round is a crucial step in ensuring that every nation, regardless of its current standing in international football, has a fair chance to compete and dream.

This democratic approach to the tournament’s structure is commendable, as it embodies the spirit of unity and competition that the AFCON stands for. It’s a reminder that in football, as in life, opportunities for growth and success should be accessible to all. As Morocco prepares to host the next edition, the focus is not only on the spectacle of football but also on the stories of nations striving to make their mark on the African stage.

The journey from the preliminary rounds to the group stage and beyond is a path filled with potential for upsets, heroics, and the forging of new legends. It’s a narrative that will unfold over the coming months, capturing the hearts of fans across the continent and beyond. As we look forward to the draw and the matches it will set in motion, let’s celebrate the inclusive spirit of the AFCON and the endless possibilities it brings to African football.

Did You Know?

• The Africa Cup of Nations is the main international men’s association football competition in Africa, organized by the Confederation of African Football CAF.
• The tournament was first held in 1957, making it one of the oldest continental football championships in the world.
• Egypt is the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, having won the title seven times.
• The 2019 AFCON was the first to be held in June and July, moving away from the January/February schedule to better align with the global football calendar.
• The tournament’s expansion from 16 to 24 teams in 2019 allowed for a broader representation of African nations, showcasing the depth and diversity of football talent across the continent.