West Africa is riding high at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. All six countries that qualified for the final phase have advanced to the second round of the tournament, demonstrating the strong state of football in this region of the continent.
Benin
Returning to the AFCON since the 2019 edition, Benin matched their performance from their participation in Egypt. The Squirrels qualified for the second round while securing their first win in the competition during the group stage in regular time. In 2019, Benin had advanced to the second round with three draws in the group stage before eliminating Morocco in the Round of 16 via a penalty shootout.
Burkina Faso
The Stallions have become regulars at AFCON. Burkina Faso confirm their status with another qualification to the next round. The next goal is to do better than their 2013 runner-up finish (0-1 defeat against Nigeria)
Cote d’Ivoire
The defending African champions, Côte d’Ivoire, are living up to expectations. Qualifying for the Round of 16 was no surprise, and the Elephants now aim to achieve back-to-back titles—a rare feat not accomplished since Egypt’s three-peat in 2006, 2008, and 2010
Mali
More fireworks were expected, but Mali will be present in the Round of 16 of AFCON 2025. This is thanks to their three draws in Group A. It is not yet enough to thrill the fans of the Eagles, who expect much more.
Nigeria
The defending runners-up, Nigeria, are the only team to record three wins in the group stage—tied with Algeria. This is surely a message to their competitors. The Super Eagles are in place and ready to go all the way, just as they did two years ago in Ivory Coast.
Senegal
Everything is going smoothly so far for the Lions of Teranga. A first round full of control and a first-place finish in their group. Senegal remains one of the top contenders for the final victory in this AFCON and is determined to live up to its reputation.
Despite being split into two zones, A and B, West Africa remains a stronghold of football on the continent. Whether in one zone or the other, the investments by the African Football Confederation are being put to good use for the development of football, allowing the region to display great ambitions in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
