The final 2025 AFCON table confirms Senegal as the continental champions after they defeated host nation Morocco 1-0 in the final on January 18, 2026. Throughout the tournament, which featured 24 teams divided into six groups, Senegal maintained a nearly flawless record, topping Group D with 7 points before navigating a challenging knockout path. Morocco finished as runners-up on home soil, while Nigeria claimed third place after a strong showing from stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
In this comprehensive guide, you will find the complete breakdown of every group stage table, the final standings of the knockout rounds, and a detailed look at the statistics that defined the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. Whether you are looking for goal differences, points totals, or the “Best XI” of the tournament, this authoritative resource covers every aspect of the AFCON 2025 standings.
Group A Table and Results
The host nation, Morocco, dominated Group A, finishing in first place with 7 points and a goal difference of +5. They were followed by Mali, who secured the runner-up spot with three consecutive draws, while Comoros and Zambia failed to advance to the knockout stages.
Morocco’s campaign began with a statement win, though they were held to a draw by a resilient Malian side in the second matchday. Zambia, despite high expectations, struggled to find the back of the net, finishing at the bottom of the table behind Comoros on goal difference.
Group B Table and Results
Egypt reclaimed their status as a continental powerhouse by topping Group B with 7 points, narrowly edging out South Africa. The Pharaohs, led by Mohamed Salah, remained unbeaten, while Bafana Bafana secured second place with crucial victories over Angola and Zimbabwe.
The battle for the second spot was intense, with South Africa’s 2-1 win over Angola proving to be the deciding factor in the final standings. Zimbabwe finished at the bottom of the group after suffering two losses, despite showing flashes of brilliance in their opening match against the group winners.
Group C Table and Results
Nigeria delivered the most dominant group-stage performance of the tournament, finishing with a perfect 9 points in Group C. The Super Eagles scored 8 goals across three matches, with Tunisia qualifying in second place with 4 points.
Tanzania finished third in the group with 2 points, which was not enough to secure a spot among the best third-placed teams. Uganda struggled throughout the opening round, ending their campaign with a single point and a goal difference of -4.
Group D Table and Results
The eventual champions, Senegal, topped Group D with 7 points, edging out DR Congo on goal difference (+6 to +4). Both teams remained unbeaten during the group phase, drawing 1-1 in their head-to-head clash on December 27.
Benin finished in third place with 3 points, successfully qualifying for the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed finishers. Botswana failed to register a single point or goal, finishing at the bottom of the table after three consecutive defeats.
Group E Table and Results
Algeria mirrored Nigeria’s perfection by winning all three of their matches to top Group E with 9 points. Burkina Faso secured the second automatic qualification spot with 6 points, while Sudan advanced as a third-placed team with 3 points.
The group was defined by Algeria’s offensive prowess, as they netted 7 goals while conceding only once. Equatorial Guinea, a surprise package in previous editions, disappointed their fans by losing all three matches and finishing with a -4 goal difference.
Group F Table and Results
Defending champions Ivory Coast finished at the top of Group F with 7 points, closely followed by Cameroon with the same points total but a lower goal difference. Both heavyweights easily navigated the group, leaving Mozambique and Gabon to fight for the remaining spots.
Mozambique made history by finishing third with 3 points and a -1 goal difference, which was sufficient to see them through to the knockout rounds. Gabon, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, suffered a winless campaign, losing 3-2 in a thriller against Mozambique that ultimately sealed their fate.
Best Third-Placed Teams Standings
The 24-team format allowed the four best third-placed teams to advance to the Round of 16 based on points, goal difference, and goals scored. For the 2025 edition, the qualifying teams were Benin (3 pts), Sudan (3 pts), Mozambique (3 pts), and Tanzania (2 pts).
- Benin: 3 Points (+1 GD)
- Sudan: 3 Points (-4 GD)
- Mozambique: 3 Points (-1 GD)
- Tanzania: 2 Points (-1 GD)
Tanzania narrowly beat out Comoros for the final slot due to having scored more goals (3 compared to 0) after both teams finished with identical points and goal differences.
Knockout Stage Bracket Results
The Round of 16 saw several high-profile exits, including Tunisia falling to Mali in a penalty shootout. Nigeria continued their rampage with a 4-0 win over Mozambique, while the hosts, Morocco, narrowly defeated Tanzania 1-0 to progress.
In the Quarter-Finals, Senegal ended Mali’s dream run, and Morocco overcame Cameroon 2-0 in a clash of titans. Egypt survived a 3-2 thriller against Ivory Coast, while Nigeria dispatched Algeria 2-0 to set up a massive semi-final clash with the hosts.
The Final AFCON 2025 Standing
| Position | Team | Final Result | Key Stats |
| 1st | Senegal | Champions | 6 Wins, 1 Draw, 0 Losses |
| 2nd | Morocco | Runners-up | 5 Wins, 1 Draw, 1 Loss |
| 3rd | Nigeria | Third Place | 5 Wins, 1 Draw, 1 Loss |
| 4th | Egypt | Fourth Place | 4 Wins, 1 Draw, 2 Losses |
Senegal’s victory in the final came through an extra-time strike, cementing their status as the current kings of African football. Morocco’s second-place finish was their best performance in decades, though the heartbreak of losing at home was evident.
Practical Information and Planning
If you are planning to attend future AFCON tournaments or are following the logistics of the 2025 event in Morocco, here are the essential details regarding the tournament’s structure and visitor experience.
- Venues: Matches were held across six cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, Marrakech, and Fez.
- Tickets: Category 3 tickets started at approximately $5 USD, while Category 1 (Grandstand) reached up to $30 USD for group stages.
- Transport: Morocco’s Al Boraq high-speed rail connected major host cities, making travel between Rabat and Tangier highly efficient for fans.
- What to Expect: A festive, high-energy atmosphere with dedicated “Fan Zones” featuring local music and cuisine.
- Visitor Tip: Always book accommodation at least three months in advance, as hotels in host cities reach 100% capacity during the knockout rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the AFCON 2025 title?
Senegal won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final held in Rabat on January 18, 2026. This was Senegal’s second continental title.
How many teams qualify for the AFCON knockout rounds?
A total of 16 teams advanced from the group stage: the top two from each of the six groups and the four best third-placed finishers.
What are the tie-breaking rules for the AFCON table?
If teams are level on points, the primary tie-breaker is head-to-head points, followed by head-to-head goal difference and head-to-head goals scored.
Who was the top scorer of AFCON 2025?
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson were among the top performers, though the official Golden Boot was determined by a combination of goals and assists.
Where was the 2025 AFCON final played?
The final match took place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, in front of a capacity crowd of over 60,000.
Which team had the best defensive record?
Senegal finished the tournament with the best defensive record, conceding only 2 goals throughout the entire competition.
Did Egypt qualify for the 2025 AFCON?
Yes, Egypt qualified and reached the semi-finals, eventually finishing in fourth place after losing to Nigeria in the third-place playoff.
How much prize money did the winner receive?
The winner of AFCON 2025, Senegal, received $7 million USD, while the runners-up, Morocco, took home $4 million USD.
When is the next Africa Cup of Nations?
The next edition, AFCON 2027, is scheduled to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Which stadium hosted the opening match?
The opening match between Morocco and Zambia was held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on December 21, 2025.
Final Thoughts
The AFCON 2025 table tells a story of tactical evolution and the shifting power dynamics of African football. By securing their second title in three editions, Senegal has officially established a “golden era,” characterized by defensive resilience and the veteran leadership of icons like Sadio Mané. While host nation Morocco suffered heartbreak in the final, the tournament served as a historic milestone for the country, generating over $1.1 billion in economic impact and proving their readiness to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the numbers, this edition will be remembered for its intense drama—from the controversial VAR decisions in the final to the record-breaking attendance figures that saw nearly 1.4 million fans fill Moroccan stadiums. As the focus shifts to the 2027 tournament in East Africa, the 2025 standings remain a testament to the rising quality of the “mid-tier” nations and the continued dominance of the continent’s elite powerhouses.
For more lifestyle Sports and cultural insights, explore our latest features:
Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Complete History and Head-to-Head Statistics
England vs Senegal: A Deep Dive into an Emerging International Rivalry
Leeds United Games: The Complete Matchday & Fixture Guide
To Read More: Manchester Independent