The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations enters its third day on Tuesday, December 23rd, with Groups C and D taking centre stage in what promises to be a feast of African football. Four matches are scheduled across Morocco, featuring some of the continent's heavyweights and several intriguing storylines.
The Day's Programme
The action kicks off at 12:30 GMT in Rabat as DR Congo face Benin at the Al Barid Stadium in Group D. This is followed by Senegal vs Botswana at 15:00 GMT at the Grand Stade de Tanger. The evening session sees Nigeria take on Tanzania at 17:30 GMT in Fez before Tunisia vs Uganda closes the day at 20:00 GMT back in Rabat.
The Big Storyline: Nigeria's Redemption Quest
All eyes will be on Nigeria as Victor Osimhen and company begin their AFCON 2025 campaign. The Super Eagles arrive in Morocco with wounds still fresh from their penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the World Cup play-offs, a loss that means Nigeria will miss a second consecutive World Cup. "It's all about going to war. Tuesday is the first one, and we will give everything," declared Osimhen ahead of the Tanzania clash.
Coach Eric Chelle's side, runners-up in 2023, boast world-class talent in Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi. However, they'll be without injured defenders Ola Aina and Benjamin Frederick, while former captain William Troost-Ekong has retired from international football. Wilfred Ndidi now wears the armband.
Senegal: The 2021 Champions Mean Business
The Lions of Teranga stormed through qualifying unbeaten, conceding just one goal in six matches. Under new coach Pape Thiaw, Senegal have looked formidable, including a stunning 3-1 victory over England in June and an 8-0 demolition of Kenya in their final warm-up. Sadio Mané, entering his sixth AFCON, leads an attack featuring Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Jackson. The only notable absence is winger Assane Diao, ruled out with a thigh injury.
DR Congo: Flying High After World Cup Heroics
Perhaps no team arrives in better spirits than the Leopards. Sebastien Desabre's men are on a five-match winning streak, which includes dramatic World Cup play-off victories over both Cameroon and Nigeria. They're just one win away from their first World Cup since 1974. Key players include Sunderland's Noah Sadiki, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the experienced Chancel Mbemba. They face a Benin side managed by German coach Gernot Rohr, who guided Nigeria to bronze at AFCON 2019.
Tunisia and Uganda: Contrasting Fortunes
Tunisia, appearing at a record 17th consecutive AFCON, are desperate to atone for a miserable 2023 campaign where they failed to win a single match. The Carthage Eagles, champions in 2004, have returned key players including Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri. Uganda, meanwhile, are back after missing the last two editions and have endured a turbulent build-up with players briefly boycotting training over unpaid allowances. However, the presence of 40-year-old goalkeeper Denis Onyango and exciting 17-year-old striker James Bogere offers an intriguing blend of experience and youth.
Tuesday's Full Schedule (All times GMT)
- 12:30 - DR Congo vs Benin (Al Barid Stadium, Rabat) - Group D
- 15:00 - Senegal vs Botswana (Grand Stade de Tanger) - Group D
- 17:30 - Nigeria vs Tanzania (Fez Stadium) - Group C
- 20:00 - Tunisia vs Uganda (Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex, Rabat) - Group C
With the top two from each group plus the four best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout rounds, every point matters. Day 3 promises drama, quality and the first real indication of which teams will be challenging for the title come January 18th.