Cameroon
Profile
- Nickname: The Indomitable Lions
- Appearances: 21x
- Last appearance: 2023
- Titles: 5 (1984, 1988, 2002, 2017)
- FIFA Ranking: 50
After a disappointing tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon is determined to restore its reputation. The qualifying campaign under new coach Marc Brys already offers reasons for optimism for the second most successful country in the tournament’s history, behind only Egypt (7 titles).
Qualification
Cameroon competed in Group J during the qualifiers, alongside Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Namibia. The Indomitable Lions topped the group with 14 points (4 wins and 2 draws). They scored eight goals and conceded only two, securing their spot in the final tournament convincingly, five points ahead of second-placed Zimbabwe.
Coach: Marc Brys
Belgian coach Marc Brys took over in April 2024 from Rigobert Song, who stepped down after a disappointing tournament in Côte d’Ivoire. Despite a challenging situation, Brys quickly made his mark on the team. His record so far: 8 matches, 5 wins, 3 draws, and no losses.
His approach is clear: “I try to give my players confidence, let them take responsibility, and give them freedom within a clear framework. They must show courage on the field and continue to develop themselves. What makes this group unique is that everyone is committed to the collective,” said the 62-year-old coach.
Key Players
Carlos Baleba: At just 21 years old, Baleba has emerged as a key figure in Cameroon’s midfield under Belgian coach Marc Brys. His performances during the qualifiers were crucial to the successful campaign. At Brighton in the Premier League, he continues to attract attention from top clubs thanks to his consistent displays. With 18 appearances and 2 goals, he’s well on his way to breaking through at the highest level.
Bryan Mbeumo: Mbeumo is having a dream season with Brentford. With 13 goals in 20 league matches, he currently ranks third on the Premier League’s top scorers list. No Cameroonian player has ever posted such numbers in this top-tier competition. After missing the previous season due to injury, Mbeumo is making his Africa Cup debut this year. At 25, he brings new hope to a forward line in need of a spark. His technical ability and composure in front of goal could prove crucial in the pursuit of a sixth title.
Previous AFCON performances
- 1970: Group Stage
- 1972: Third Place
- 1982: Group Stage
- 1984: Champions
- 1986: Runners-up
- 1988: Champions
- 1990: Group Stage
- 1992: Fourth Place
- 1996: Group Stage
- 1998: Quarter-finals
- 2000: Champions
- 2002: Champions
- 2004: Quarter-finals
- 2006: Quarter-finals
- 2008: Second Place
- 2010: Quarter-finals
- 2015: Group Stage
- 2017: Champions
- 2019: Round of 16
- 2021: Third Place
- 2023: Round of 16
Did you know?
For the first time since 1982, Cameroon missed two consecutive editions of the Africa Cup: in 2012 and 2013, the team failed to qualify.
Gabon
Profile
- Nickname: The Panthers
- Appearances: 8x
- Last appearance: 2021
- Titles: 0
- FIFA Ranking: 79
Gabon is preparing for a return to the highest stage of African football: the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. After missing the previous edition, the Panthers return with renewed ambition and energy.
Qualification
Gabon was placed in Group B alongside Morocco, Lesotho, and the Central African Republic. Despite strong opposition, Gabon finished second with 10 points, behind an undefeated Morocco. They recorded three wins and one draw, scoring 10 goals and conceding 9. Both of their defeats came against Morocco.
Coach: Thierry Mouyouma
Since his appointment in October 2023, former international Thierry Mouyouma has brought new life to the Gabonese team. With 82 caps to his name and three national titles as coach of FC 105, he brought both experience and a clear vision. After missing out on AFCON 2023, he got the team back on track and led Gabon to an impressive qualification for Morocco 2025. He is only the second Gabonese coach to achieve this, after Alain Da Costa Soares.
Key Player: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The 35-year-old striker remains Gabon’s star figure. With 33 goals, he is the national team’s all-time top scorer. During the qualifiers, he once again proved crucial, scoring twice and providing leadership. A five-time AFCON participant, he aims to make his mark once again in Morocco.
Previous AFCON performances
- 1994: Group Stage
- 1996: Quarter-finals
- 2000: Group Stage
- 2010: Group Stage
- 2012: Quarter-finals
- 2015: Group Stage
- 2017: Group Stage
- 2021: Round of 16
With their ninth appearance approaching, Gabon’s hopes rest on the shoulders of the Mouyouma and Aubameyang duo. Could this finally be the year the Panthers break their chains and go further than ever before?
Did you know?
Gabon has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, not even during the two tournaments they hosted (2012 and 2017).
Côte d’Ivoire
Profile
- Nickname: The Elephants
- Appearances: 25x
- Last appearance: 2023
- Titles: 3 (1992, 2015, 2023)
- FIFA Ranking: 41
The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire are eager to defend their title as African champions at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. With three titles already to their name, Côte d’Ivoire aims to join the true giants of the continent, such as Ghana, Cameroon, and Egypt, by capturing a fourth trophy.
Qualification
Although they participated as reigning champions, Côte d’Ivoire still had to qualify through Group G. They finished second behind Zambia with four wins and two losses. Despite the challenges, the Elephants secured their place in the final tournament once again, ready to prove their status.
Coach: Emerse Faé
On his 40th birthday (January 24, 2024), Emerse Faé officially took over as head coach during AFCON 2023, after replacing Jean-Louis Gasset midway through the tournament. What followed was a fairytale: Côte d’Ivoire claimed their third title.
Faé is known for his attacking style of play, focused on ball possession and quick transitions. His vision? “We seek the right balance between creative offense and defensive organization. Courage and initiative are important, without losing structure.” Under his leadership, Côte d’Ivoire scored 12 goals in six qualification matches.
Key Player: Simon Adingra
Only 23 years old, yet already one of the brightest talents on the African continent: Simon Adingra. The right winger from Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League) impressed during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and was named Best Young Player.
With his speed, dribbling skills, and precision, he is a nightmare for defenders and a constant threat on goal. Adingra can play on both wings as well as centrally in attack, making him a key player in Faé’s squad.
Previous AFCON performances
Côte d’Ivoire has been part of Africa’s football elite for decades. Their first title came in 1992 after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Ghana (11-10). In 2015, they again defeated Ghana, this time 9-8 on penalties.
Their most recent triumph in 2023 was a story of perseverance. Despite a difficult group stage and a coaching change, the team went on to defeat Senegal, Mali, DR Congo, and Nigeria. Which is an impressive run marked by character and tactical ingenuity.
Did you know?
If Côte d’Ivoire manages to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, they will join the elite ranks of Africa’s most successful nations: Ghana (4 titles), Cameroon (5 titles), and Egypt (7 titles).
Mozambique
Profile
- Nickname: The Mambas
- Appearances: 5x
- Last appearance: 2023
- Titles: 0
- FIFA Ranking: 96
Although Mozambique didn’t make it past the group stage, they were one of the most entertaining teams to watch during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. They played two thrilling draws against two of the tournament favorites, Egypt and Ghana, both ending 2-2. Mozambique made their AFCON debut in 1986 and have shown signs of progress with each subsequent appearance.
Qualification
The Mambas qualified alongside Mali from a tough Group I in the qualifiers. In this highly competitive group, which included Mali, Guinea-Bissau, and Eswatini, they recorded three wins, two draws, and one loss.
Coach: Chiquinho Conde
Former Mambas striker Chiquinho Conde is on a mission to make history for his country. After a successful playing career in Portugal and the United States, Conde began coaching in 2005. He climbed the ranks and was appointed head coach of the Mambas in 2021.
Conde is known for his strong character and his ability to frustrate opponents with a solid defense. He is leading Mozambique into the Africa Cup with the goal of rewriting the nation’s football history.
Key Player: Geny Catamo
At just 23 years old, Geny Catamo is already one of the Mambas’ top scorers, with 10 goals to his name. In just four years with the national team, the Sporting CP winger has secured a spot among Mozambique’s all-time leading scorers.
Previous AFCON performances
Out of their five appearances, Mozambique has yet to progress beyond the group stage. Their first participation was in 1986, followed by appearances in 1996, 1998, 2010, and 2023.
Did you know?
Mozambique’s recent Africa Cup appearance came after a 13-year absence. This is their second consecutive qualification, having also appeared back-to-back in 1996 and 1998.