Uganda Cranes face ‘group of death’ challenge in 2025 AFCON draw
The AFCON draw, conducted on Monday evening, placed host nation Morocco in Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. Leveraging the advantage of playing on home soil, Morocco will aim for a deep run in the tournament.
Uganda’s national football team, The Cranes, faces a tough test in the upcoming 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being drawn into Group C alongside African heavyweights Nigeria, Tunisia, and regional rivals Tanzania.
Dubbed the “Group of Death,” the group promises intense competition as Uganda seeks to make a mark in the tournament, set to take place in Morocco starting December 2025. With Nigeria and Tunisia bringing decades of footballing pedigree, The Cranes will need to be at their absolute best to advance to the knockout stages.
The AFCON draw, conducted on Monday evening, placed host nation Morocco in Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. Leveraging the advantage of playing on home soil, Morocco will aim for a deep run in the tournament.
Group B features seven-time champions Egypt, who will look to Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to guide them past South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe in their pursuit of another continental title.
Group D pits defending champions Senegal against DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Led by star players like Sadio Mane, the Teranga Lions will aim to build on their historic 2021 triumph, while DR Congo and Benin will look to challenge their dominance.
In Group E, Algeria will face Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan, hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2021 campaign.
Group F promises one of the tournament’s most exciting matchups, with Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon renewing their long-standing rivalry. Gabon and Mozambique complete the group, ensuring a competitive atmosphere.
Group C Spotlight: The Challenge Ahead
In Group C, Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, are seen as strong contenders to clinch the title, having last lifted the trophy in 2013. The Super Eagles bring a talented squad and a winning mindset to the tournament.
Tunisia, known for their consistency and experience, will also be targeting a strong showing. Meanwhile, Tanzania, regional rivals to Uganda, will aim to defy expectations and compete for qualification.
For Uganda, the draw presents a challenging but exciting opportunity to test their mettle against some of the best teams on the continent.
Tournament Schedule
The 2025 AFCON kicks off on December 21, with Morocco opening against Comoros. The tournament will be held in six cities over four weeks, culminating in the crowning of Africa’s next football champion.
Fans across the continent will be watching closely as teams battle for glory, with Uganda aiming to rise to the occasion and make history in Morocco.
