Six countries have been eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as the tournament moved into its first decisive phase and Nigeria now stand one win away from sending Uganda home, Soccernet.ng reports.
Matchday three of the group stage delivered clarity and casualties on Monday night, with results across Groups A and B confirming early exits for several nations and tightening the race for the remaining knockout spots.
Comoros, Zambia and Zimbabwe became the latest teams to bow out, joining Botswana, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, who had already seen their AFCON journeys cut short after failing to collect points in earlier rounds.
Morocco and Egypt march on as others fall away
Hosts Morocco boosted their credentials as title contenders with a commanding 3-0 victory over Zambia in Group A, sealing top spot with seven points. Mali followed them into the knockout phase despite being held to a goalless draw by Comoros.
Those results proved terminal for both Comoros and Zambia, who finished the group on just two points apiece. Zambia ended bottom of the group, while Comoros’ modest points tally left them outside the race for a place among the best third-placed teams.
In Group B, Egypt had already secured qualification before their final fixture, having beaten Zimbabwe and South Africa. A 0-0 draw against Angola was enough to see the Pharaohs finish top with seven points.
Angola’s point kept alive faint hopes of progression as one of the best third-placed teams, while South Africa’s dramatic 3-2 win over Zimbabwe ended their neighbours’ campaign. Zimbabwe finished bottom with a single point, confirming their elimination.
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Nigeria through, Uganda on the brink
Attention now turns to Group C, where all four teams technically remain in contention, but Nigeria are already assured of top spot regardless of their final result.
The Super Eagles have taken maximum points so far and face Uganda on Tuesday knowing a win will officially end the Cranes’ AFCON hopes. Uganda sit on one point, level with Tanzania, who face Tunisia in the group’s other decisive fixture.
A draw between Nigeria and Uganda would still leave the door open for Tunisia, who need only avoid defeat against Tanzania to qualify alongside the Super Eagles.
Elsewhere, Botswana, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon had already been eliminated after losing their opening two matches. Botswana will finish bottom of Group D regardless of their final game against DR Congo, while Equatorial Guinea face an already qualified Algeria in Group E. Gabon, winless after two games, complete their campaign against Côte d’Ivoire in Group F.