AFCON Standings: Comprehensive Guide to Tables, Results, and History

The current AFCON standings for the 2025 tournament show Senegal as the champions after defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final on January 18, 2026. This comprehensive guide covers every group stage table, including Group A’s dominance by Egypt and Group D’s lead by Senegal, alongside the full knockout bracket results. You will find detailed statistics for all 24 participating teams, final tournament rankings, and the official tie-breaker rules used by CAF to determine group positions.

Whether you are looking for the qualification path that led to Morocco 2025 or the historical context of the Africa Cup of Nations, this article provides an authoritative deep dive into the 35th edition of Africa’s premier football competition.

AFCON 2025 Final Standings

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations concluded with Senegal securing their second continental title in a dramatic final against the host nation, Morocco. Following the final whistle in Rabat, the official tournament rankings placed Nigeria in third and Egypt in fourth.

These standings reflect a tournament that saw traditional powerhouses reclaim their dominance while several dark horses made significant impacts in the early rounds. The final match was decided by a 94th-minute goal from Pape Gueye, sealing a historic victory for the Teranga Lions on North African soil.

Group A Standings and Results

Egypt topped Group A with an undefeated record, showing the clinical efficiency that has made them seven-time champions. They were followed closely by South Africa, who secured the second automatic qualification spot for the knockout stages.

The group was defined by Mohamed Salah’s leadership, particularly his crucial 90th-minute goal against Zimbabwe. South Africa’s progress was anchored by Evidence Makgopa’s clinical finishing in their decisive win over Angola.

Group B Standings and Results

In Group B, the host nation Morocco displayed total dominance, winning every match to finish with a perfect nine points. Mali secured the second spot, relying on a disciplined defensive structure to navigate a challenging group.

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz emerged as the star of the group stage, scoring in every match to ignite the home crowd. Mali’s qualification was confirmed after a hard-fought draw against Comoros, who narrowly missed out on a best third-place spot.

Group C Standings and Results

Nigeria asserted their authority in Group C, finishing top with three wins from three matches. Tunisia overcame an early scare to finish as runners-up, while Tanzania and Uganda were eliminated after failing to secure a victory.

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman provided the attacking spark for the Super Eagles, scoring five goals between them in the opening phase. Tunisia’s experience proved vital in their final matchday draw against Tanzania, which was enough to see them through.

Group D Standings and Results

The “Group of Death” saw Senegal and the DR Congo battle for supremacy, with the Teranga Lions eventually taking the top spot on goal difference. Both teams remained unbeaten throughout the group phase, underscoring their status as title contenders.

Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson found his form early, scoring twice in the opening match against Botswana. The DR Congo impressed many with their tactical flexibility, particularly in a 1-1 draw against the defending champions that proved they could compete with the continent’s elite.

Group E Standings and Results

Algeria looked revitalized in Group E, finishing at the summit with seven points and a potent attacking display. Burkina Faso followed them into the Round of 16, while Sudan provided one of the tournament’s biggest stories by qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.

Riyad Mahrez rolled back the years with a brace against Sudan, while Algeria’s young star Ibrahim Maza showed why he is considered the future of the Desert Foxes. Burkina Faso’s late winner against Equatorial Guinea was the pivotal moment that secured their progression.

Group F Standings and Results

Cameroon and Ivory Coast engaged in a heavyweight tussle for Group F, with the Indomitable Lions eventually edging out the defending champions for first place. Both teams finished with seven points, but Cameroon’s superior goal difference gave them the advantage.

The 1-1 draw between the two giants in Marrakech was hailed as the best match of the group stage, featuring elite tactical play from both sides. Mozambique showed great spirit but ultimately fell short against the more experienced African powerhouses.

AFCON 2025 Knockout Bracket Results

The knockout phase began with a Round of 16 that saw several upsets, including Egypt’s narrow victory over Benin and Nigeria’s 4-0 thrashing of Mozambique. The path to the final became clearer after the quarter-finals, where Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria, and Egypt emerged as the final four.

In the semi-finals, Senegal defeated Egypt 1-0 in a rematch of the 2021 final, while Morocco overcame Nigeria in a tense penalty shootout. The tournament reached its peak in Rabat, where Senegal’s defensive solidity paved the way for their second AFCON crown.

Tournament Goalscorer Rankings

The race for the Golden Boot was won by Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, who finished the tournament with five goals. He became the first Moroccan player to score in five consecutive AFCON matches, breaking several national records in the process.

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Senegal’s Pape Gueye followed closely with four goals each. The 2025 edition was particularly prolific, with a total of 120 goals scored, surpassing the previous record set during the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast.

CAF Ranking and Tie-Breaker Rules

To determine the final standings when teams are level on points, CAF employs a specific hierarchy of tie-breakers. The primary factor is head-to-head results between the tied teams, followed by goal difference in those specific matches.

If teams remain tied, the criteria expand to include goal difference in all group matches and the total number of goals scored. In the extremely rare event that teams are still equal after all sporting criteria, a drawing of lots by the organizing committee is used as the final resort.

Practical Information for Fans

The 2025 tournament was hosted across six Moroccan cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier. Over 1.1 million fans attended the matches, setting a new record for the highest cumulative attendance in Africa Cup of Nations history.

• Host Cities: Rabat (Capital), Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes.
• Venues: 9 stadiums were utilized, with the final held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
• Ticketing: Prices ranged from 30 MAD for group stages to 150 MAD for the final.
• Transport: High-speed rail (Al Boraq) connected the northern host cities efficiently.

History of AFCON Winners

Since its inception in 1957, the Africa Cup of Nations has seen 15 different nations lift the trophy. Egypt remains the most successful team with seven titles, followed by Cameroon with five and Ghana with four.

Senegal’s victory in 2025 marks their second title, moving them into an elite group of multiple-time winners. The tournament has evolved from a three-team event in Sudan to a global spectacle featuring 24 nations and the world’s top footballing talent.

Future of the Tournament

CAF has announced significant changes for the future, including a shift to a quadrennial (every four years) format starting in 2028. This move is designed to align the competition with the European Championship and reduce the physical burden on players.

The 2027 edition will be a landmark event as it is jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This “Pamoja” bid represents the first time the tournament will be shared across three East African nations, aiming to develop football infrastructure in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the AFCON 2025 tournament?

Senegal won the AFCON 2025 title after defeating the host nation, Morocco, 1-0 in the final. The winning goal was scored by Pape Gueye in extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Which team has won the most AFCON titles?

Egypt holds the record for the most Africa Cup of Nations titles, having won the tournament seven times. Their most famous run included a “hat-trick” of consecutive titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010.

How many teams qualify for the AFCON knockout stages?

A total of 16 teams qualify for the knockout rounds. This includes the top two teams from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-placed teams.

Where will the 2027 AFCON be held?

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This marks the first time the tournament will be hosted across three different countries in East Africa.

What are the tie-breaker rules for AFCON standings?

If teams are level on points, the first tie-breaker is head-to-head points obtained in the matches between the teams concerned. This is followed by head-to-head goal difference and head-to-head goals scored before looking at overall group statistics.

Who was the top scorer of AFCON 2025?

Brahim Diaz of Morocco was the top scorer of the 2025 tournament with five goals. He made history by scoring in each of his first five matches during the competition.

Is AFCON held every two years or four years?

Historically, AFCON has been held every two years. However, CAF recently announced that from 2028 onwards, the tournament will switch to a four-year cycle to better align with the international football calendar.

Can I attend AFCON matches as a tourist?

Yes, AFCON is a major tourist event, and host nations like Morocco provide Fan Zones and specialized transport for international visitors. Tickets are typically sold through the official CAF website and at local stadiums.

How many goals were scored in AFCON 2025?

A record-breaking 120 goals were scored during the 2025 tournament. This surpassed the previous record of 119 goals set during the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast.

What is the prize money for the AFCON winner?

The winner of the AFCON currently receives $7 million (USD). This prize money was significantly increased by CAF in 2024 to enhance the competitive prestige of the tournament.

Which stadium hosted the AFCON 2025 final?

The final was hosted at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The stadium has a capacity of approximately 69,500 spectators and served as the primary venue for the tournament’s biggest matches.

Final Thoughts

The AFCON 2025 standings reflect a tournament that reinforced the dominance of established footballing giants while showcasing the rapid infrastructural growth of African football. Senegal’s victory in Rabat was not merely a tactical triumph but a display of mental resilience, as they overcame a hostile home atmosphere and late-match controversy to retain their status as the continent’s elite force. Morocco’s performance as hosts, despite the heartbreak in the final, set a high bar for organization and fan attendance, with over 1.3 million spectators across nine world-class venues.

As the tournament shifts toward the “Pamoja” 2027 edition in East Africa, the final rankings from 2025 will serve as the benchmark for seedings and expectations. The emergence of high-scoring talent like Brahim Diaz and the enduring brilliance of veterans like Sadio Mané suggest that the gap between North and Sub-Saharan African football is narrower than ever.

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