The qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have started in full swing and, after the first two rounds, played during the September " international break ", it is already possible to observe the first trends.

Some of the favorites lived up to expectations, while teams accustomed to strong performances faced disappointment. These opening rounds revealed both surprises and disappointments, highlighting who started the race to Morocco well.

The Highlights

The teams from Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Morocco, Tunisia and DRC have achieved two wins in two games at the start of the qualifiers for CAN 2025 and are at the top of their respective groups with 6 points.

In group C, Mohamed Salah's Egypt, who celebrated his 100th call-up, shone with an impressive performance against Botswana (4-0), after a first victory against Cape Verde.

The Pharaohs are already virtually assured of a place in the finals with a total of 6 points and an impressive goal average of +7. Cape Verde is second in the group with 3 points.

Algeria, in Group E, also dominated their opponents, notably with a 3-0 victory against Liberia and another against Equatorial Guinea. Thanks to a well-orchestrated attacking game by talents like Amine Gouiri, the Fennecs are alone at the top with 6 points and a comfortable lead over their rivals.

Morocco

The CAN 2025 host continues to shine in Group B despite already qualifying automatically. The Atlas Lions, under Walid Regragui, demonstrated their superiority with two victories: a 4-1 thrashing of Gabon, followed by a 1-0 victory in added time against Lesotho.

Behind them are Gabon and the Central African Republic who are fighting for the second spot, while Lesotho already seems out of the running after two defeats.

Tunisia

Tunisia, solid in Group A, without any outstanding performances but effective, secured six points, standing out with a victory over Gambia (6-2). The Eagles of Carthage are in a good position and should continue this trajectory in October with a double-header against Comoros, which could guarantee their qualification. Gambia and Madagascar compete for the second spot.

Angola

Often underestimated, Angola surprised by beating Ghana first, launching their campaign in perfect form. A success that was confirmed by the Palancas Negras with another victory against Sudan, which puts them atop Group F and makes them serious contenders for qualification, perhaps as early as October.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Finally, the DRC tops Group H, with two valuable victories, notably a 2-0 victory against Ethiopia, following an opening 1-0 win against Guinea-Conakry. With six points, the Leopards appear well on track for further qualification under Sébastien Desabre.

Jean-Philippe Krasso

Absent from the June squad, Paris FC's new striker made his return to the national team in remarkable fashion and is one of the revelations at the start of the CAN 2025 qualifiers.

Krasso was the Ivory Coast's star performer in Group G, scoring twice in the 2-0 win over Zambia and another in the 2-0 victory over Chad. His efficiency and attacking leadership have made him the current top scorer in the qualifiers with three goals, leading the Elephants to the top of the group.

Behind them, Zambia is still in contention with 3 points after a narrow win against Sierra Leone.

Yves Bissouma

Mali's four points in Group I are largely thanks to its maestro, Yves Bissouma. Acting as a playmaker, the Tottenham player scored both of the team's goals in these qualifiers, including a decisive strike against Eswatini (4-1).

This new responsibility seems to suit him well and Mali, which has 4 points, like Mozambique, is in a good position to qualify.

The Failures

With just 1 point from two games, the Black Stars were defeated at home by Angola and drew with Niger (1-1), a result that could have been worse if Niger had taken advantage of a chance in extra time.

The Ghanaian national team, under the command of Otto Addo, has shown a decline in performance in recent months and needs to react in October, or see its hopes of qualifying disappear.

Guinea Conakry

Syli Nacional got off to a poor start in Group H in their 2025 CAN qualifying campaign, suffering two defeats. The 2-1 loss to Tanzania was particularly notable, as they conceded a late goal.

October will be crucial for Guinea-Conakry, which sits last in the group with 0 points. They will need to beat Ethiopia in both of their head-to-head matches or risk seeing their qualification hopes evaporate.

Togo

Togo is struggling in Group E. They drew their first two matches in the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. A 2-2 draw with Equatorial Guinea, with a goal from Laba in added time, somewhat saved their reputation, but the 0-0 draw at home to Liberia is seen as a disappointment. Coach Daré Nibombé must motivate his team to ensure a recovery.

Currently second in the group with 2 points, Togo trails Algeria and will need to show more consistency to hope for qualification, especially as a doubleheader against Algeria approaches in October.

Conclusion

On the other hand, teams like Ghana and Guinea-Conakry face unexpected difficulties and face the challenge of recovering points in October to keep their hopes alive.

The upcoming rounds promise more excitement, with the fate of several teams being decided in direct clashes that could seal their places in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco. The qualifying outlook is far from certain, and the battle for qualification will be intense until the very end.

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