AFCON 2025: Group F, the ‘group of death’, promises fierce competition

The Africa Cup of Nations’ Group F, referred to as the ‘group of death,’ features a compelling mix of reigning champions, established contenders, emerging challengers, and motivated underdogs.

The matches for Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique in Marrakech and Agadir are likely to provide significant competition, showcasing high-level play and compelling narratives.

IVORY COAST (holders)

CAF Ranking: 7

Coach: Emerse Faé

Player to watch: Amad Diallo

Best AFCON performance: Three-time champions:

Tournament prediction: Semi-finals

Ivory Coast enters the tournament not just as the reigning champions but also on a wave of optimism after securing its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The team displayed a style marked by tenacity rather than flair during last year’s continental showdown, but they emerged on top, showcasing their effectiveness when it mattered most. A mix of intrigue and transition has marked the Ivory Coast’s journey to this stage.

Coach Emerse Faé, who took over as caretaker in the last tournament, has since been entrusted with the formidable task of guiding a side that is currently rebalancing its roster. While navigating the dynamics of team changes, Faé is optimistic about the blend of experience and youthful energy within his squad.

CAMEROON

CAF Ranking: 10

Coach: David Pagou

Player to watch: Bryan Mbeumo  

Best AFCON performance: Five-time champions

Tournament prediction: Quarter-finals

Cameroon has experienced ups and downs over the years. At their lowest point in terms of off-field issues, they won AFCON 2017 under Hugo Broos. The association is once again in turmoil, with a dispute over the rightful holder of the head coach position and Samuel Eto’o’s conduct as federation president.

They are also smarting after missing out on the World Cup, but when wounded, they are sometimes at their most dangerous.

Cameroon has reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for Christian Kofane to participate in the Morocco tournament. The young Bayer Leverkusen striker will be among the most skilful talents in Morocco.

The German club requested a special exemption to keep the striker until Saturday’s (20 December) Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig.

GABON

CAF Ranking: 15

Coach: Thierry Mouyouma

Player to watch: Mario Lemina

Best AFCON performance: Quarter-finals twice

Tournament prediction: Round of 16

Gabon returns to AFCON after missing the last edition. The team holds promise with seasoned players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mario Lemina, and Denis. For this generation, which has faced its share of challenges, time is running short to fulfil its potential on the continental stage.

The latest news is that talisman Aubameyang will miss the opening match against Cameroon on December 24. Aubameyang will remain in France for treatment. There is hope that he may recover in time for Gabon’s subsequent fixtures, including a critical match against Mozambique on December 28.

Gabon may face additional challenges within the squad, as Michel Mboula, the centre back from Metz, is also dealing with a thigh injury that casts doubt on his participation in the tournament.

MOZAMBIQUE

CAF Ranking: 22

Coach: Chiquinho Conde

Player to watch: Geny Catamo

Best AFCON performance: Group stage exit

Tournament prediction: First round exit

Mozambique aims to break new ground by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time. Mozambique, often seen as an underdog, has shown steady progress, propelled by growing confidence that could translate into surprising victories.

Under veteran coach Chiquinho Conde, Mozambique has undergone a significant transformation. The team has blossomed into one of the continent’s most intriguing prospects. As part of their sixth AFCON appearance and second consecutive qualification since returning to the tournament in 2023, Mozambique is not shying away from its ambitions; its goal for 2025 is clear—advance beyond the group stage.

The team’s chances hinge significantly on the performance of key players like Geny Catamo, whose talent and leadership can inspire victories against Nigeria, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast.