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Algeria's Shocking AFCON Qualification Failure

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 17:31 GMT by Sporting News

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The Road to Morocco: How African Nations Qualified for AFCON 2025

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Morocco, is shaping up to be a compelling tournament. Unlike previous editions, this will be the first time the competition features an expanded format – 24 teams instead of the traditional 16 – significantly increasing the number of nations vying for continental glory. The qualification process has been complex and drawn-out, spanning multiple matchdays across six groups, and has revealed some surprising results and confirmed a fascinating lineup for the finals. This article breaks down how African nations secured their spots in the tournament, highlighting key performances and unexpected upsets along the way.

A New Format, A New Challenge:

The qualification process was structured differently from previous AFCONs. Instead of a single group stage, teams were divided into six groups of four, playing each other home and away across multiple matchdays. The top two teams in each group automatically qualified for the finals. This format aimed to provide more opportunities for nations to participate and broaden the competitive landscape of African football. The initial qualification rounds involved a preliminary phase featuring lower-ranked teams, with winners progressing to join the established sides in the main group stage draw.

Group Stage Dominance & Unexpected Shocks:

Several pre-tournament favorites comfortably secured their places. Nigeria, despite some inconsistent performances under different managers, topped Group C ahead of Guinea-Bissau, demonstrating their continued strength. Egypt, led by Hossam Hassan, navigated a challenging Group D with relative ease, finishing above Algeria (more on that later). Senegal, the reigning champions, predictably dominated Group L alongside Rwanda, showcasing their quality and experience. Ghana, despite recent struggles, secured first place in Group I ahead of Madagascar. Ivory Coast, as hosts of the 2027 AFCON, were guaranteed a spot but still participated in qualifying to gain valuable match practice and assess their squad's progress.

However, the qualification process wasn’t without its surprises. The biggest shock came in Group D where Algeria, former champions and consistently strong contenders, failed to qualify. They finished third behind Egypt and Malawi, a truly devastating blow for Algerian football. This failure stemmed from inconsistent performances and tactical issues that plagued their campaign, leading to significant criticism of the national team and its coaching staff. The article highlights the immense pressure surrounding Algeria's qualification bid, given their history and expectations.

Another notable upset occurred in Group G where Tanzania secured a spot ahead of Congo DR. This marks Tanzania’s first appearance at an AFCON since 1980 – a remarkable achievement for a nation that has often been overshadowed by its larger neighbors. Their success underscores the growing competitiveness within African football and demonstrates that consistent effort and tactical discipline can overcome perceived disadvantages.

The Qualified Nations - A Diverse Lineup:

Here's a complete list of the nations who have qualified for AFCON 2025:

1. Morocco (Host)
2. Nigeria
3. Egypt
4. Senegal
5. Ghana
6. Ivory Coast
7. Mali
8. Angola
9. Burkina Faso
10. Cape Verde
11. Guinea
12. Equatorial Guinea
13. Zambia
14. Tanzania
15. Madagascar
16. DR Congo
17. Mauritania
18. Mozambique
19. Sudan
20. South Africa
21. Botswana
22. Namibia
23. Sierra Leone
24. Gambia

Key Talking Points & Looking Ahead:

The qualification process has thrown up several key talking points. The failure of Algeria to qualify is undoubtedly the biggest story, prompting serious questions about their national team's direction and future prospects. The emergence of Tanzania as a qualified nation represents a significant moment for African football, demonstrating that opportunities exist for smaller nations to challenge the established order.

Furthermore, the expanded format has undeniably increased the competitiveness of the tournament. The inclusion of more teams means a wider range of styles and approaches will be on display in Morocco, potentially leading to unpredictable matches and exciting upsets. The article also mentions the impact of player availability due to club commitments, which often complicates qualification campaigns as players are forced to prioritize their professional careers.

Looking ahead to the tournament itself, several nations stand out as potential contenders. Nigeria’s experience and depth make them a formidable force. Egypt, with its rich history in the competition, will be eager to reclaim its former glory. Senegal, despite some recent challenges, remains a team to watch. However, the expanded format means that any of the 24 teams could potentially cause an upset, making AFCON 2025 one of the most open and exciting tournaments in years. The qualification process has laid the groundwork for what promises to be a captivating celebration of African football.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the AFCON 2025 qualification journey, highlighting key results, unexpected upsets, and the broader implications for African football.