AFCON 2025 Group F: The group of death
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Group F: Overview
Of all the groups in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Group F stands out as one of the toughest groups in the competition.
The group features the likes of defending champions Ivory Coast, a legendary powerhouse Cameroon, and two ambitious underdogs, Gabon and Mozambique.
Ivory Coast: The defending champions
- AFCON appearances: 26
- Debut: 1965
- FIFA Ranking: 42
- Titles won: 3 (1992, 2015, 2023)
Ivory Coast are the defending champion in the Africa Cup of Nations and returns to this competition with a bullseye target on its back.
In the previous edition, as the host nation, Emerse Fae's charges exceeded all expectations. They lifted their third trophy and first since 2015 by defeating Nigeria 2-1 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.
The Elephants are now out to defend that crown, and anything other than that would be considered a disappointment.
Strengths:
- Watertight defense.
- Quality and squad depth.
Weaknesses:
- Poor record against teams ranked higher or closer to them.
- Laborious attack.
Cameroon: The indomitable legacy
- AFCON appearances: 22
- Debut: 1970
- FIFA Ranking: 57
- Titles won: 5 (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017)
Cameroon are the second-most successful nation in the Africa Cup of Nations, and that's not up for debate, given their five titles.
The Indomitable Lions, however, have failed to live up to their reputation as a reputable African nation. They failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America, and their last success in the AFCON was in 2017.
However, they've been consistent participants when it comes to reaching the knockout stages 15 times in their 20 appearances. In the previous edition, their journey was cut short, suffering a 2-0 defeat against Nigeria in the Round of 16.
The objective in the current edition is simple this time around: try to go one step beyond.
Strengths:
- Tournament pedigree.
- Quality and squad depth.
Weaknesses:
- Chaotic pre-tournament environment.
- Reliance on veterans.
Gabon: The talented disruptors
- AFCON appearances: 9
- Debut: 1994
- FIFA Ranking: 78
- Titles won: 0
Gabon are capable of becoming a real threat in Group F of the 2025 AFCON. In fact, they can be considered dark horses of the group.
The Panthers are making their ninth appearance in this competition and still searching for their first title. They reached the quarter-finals twice in 1996 and 2012 but couldn't progress beyond that.
Thierry Mouyouma's charges failed to qualify for the previous edition, and their return under the leadership of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sees them aiming to establish themselves as a rising power in African football.
Strengths:
- Star attacking power in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
- A blend of experienced veterans and youth.
Weaknesses:
- Overreliance on key players.
- Inconsistent performances.
Mozambique: The resilient underdogs
- AFCON appearances: 6
- Debut: 1986
- FIFA Ranking: 102
- Titles won: 0
Mozambique are the underdogs in Group F of the 2025 AFCON, but a resilient one at that. The nation qualified for the current edition by finishing in second place in Group I of the qualifiers, three points behind league leaders Mali.
The Mambas are making their sixth appearance in this competition. In the previous edition, they failed to progress beyond the group stages, finishing at the bottom of the table in Group B. The group included the likes of Cape Verde, Egypt, and Ghana.
It must be pointed out that their last appearance in this competition was a historic moment for them, considering they had to wait 13 years to grace the Africa Cup of Nations with their presence.
Their primary goal in the current edition is to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history after a run of five consecutive group stage finishes.
Strengths:
- Collective spirit and organization.
- Pace on the counter.
Weaknesses:
- Limited squad depth and quality.
- Inefficient attacking.
