5 AFCON 2025 matches you can’t miss

This winter's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) in Morocco promises fireworks even before a ball is kicked. With 24 nations descending on North Africa, this edition has all the ingredients; packed stadiums, historic rivalries, and a generation of stars eager to define their legacy. 

As the tournament's kick-off draws near, five already stand out as must-watch AFCON matches, not just for their stakes, but for the stories behind them.

AFCON 2025 key fixtures

1. Morocco vs Mali — 26 December, Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat

The hosts arrive in imperious form, unbeaten in 16 competitive outings. Morocco boast Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, a spine built for control and incision. But Mali are no pushovers. They carry quiet confidence and a stacked midfield featuring Amadou Haidara and Yves Bissouma.

Both sides last met in a 2021 friendly that ended goalless, but this time, the stakes of this AFCON 2025 key fixture are continental. The Atlas Lions will look to impose their rhythm at home, while the Eagles of Mali will rely on power and precision from deep. 

2. Nigeria vs Tunisia — 27 December, Fez Stadium, Fez

Nigeria and Tunisia share a long, tangled AFCON history. From Tunisia’s 2004 semi-final triumph to Nigeria’s revenge two years later, this fixture rarely disappoints.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, guided by Victor Osimhen’s relentless drive, will look to overwhelm a well-drilled Tunisian defence. Watch out for Ademola Lookman’s dribbling and Samuel Chukwueze’s pace and through balls against Tunisia’s disciplined press.

Brace, not for just another group-stage encounter, but for one of the AFCON must-watch matches.

3. Ivory Coast vs Cameroon — 28 December, Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh

Few rivalries in African football evoke as much emotion as this one. Both nations have lifted the AFCON trophy twice in the 21st century, and each meeting carries echoes of old battles, especially from meetings in the mid-2000s.

Sébastien Haller and Franck Kessié lead the Ivorian charge, while Cameroon lean on Bryan Mbeumo and André Onana’s leadership.

This match could decide Group F; two heavyweights, one statement to be made in this AFCON 2025 key fixture. 

4. Senegal vs DR Congo — 27 December, Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier

Senegal, one-time AFCON winners, begin another campaign with the weight of expectation on their shoulders. DR Congo, unpredictable and bold, are the type of opponent who can ruin anyone’s plans.

Pape Thiaw’s men have Sadio Mané, Pape Sarr,, Ismailis Sarr and Édouard Mendy experience at every level. But DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba, Gaël Kakuta, and Yoane Wissa bring a fight that’s hard to contain.

Their last competitive meeting in 2017 ended 2–2, a reminder that this AFCON 2025 key fixture is never short on drama.

5. Egypt vs South Africa — 26 December, Adrar Stadium, Agadir

It is the Pharaohs versus Bafana Bafana, two nations steeped in continental history. Egypt, record seven-time champions, were stunned on home soil by South Africa in the 2019 Round of 16 when Thembinkosi Lorch silenced Cairo.

Six years on, the wounds remain. Mohamed Salah headlines the Pharaohs’ redemption quest, while South Africa, under Hugo Broos, blend youth and experience led by Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena.

Expect calculated football, tactical caution, and a subplot of revenge at AFCON 2025.