AFCON 2025 group stage intensifies as qualification race tightens

AFCON 2025 Group Stage Intensifies as Qualification Race Tightens The race for qualification at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is heating up as the group stage enters a decisive phase, with several teams still battling for places in the knockout rounds. While a few sides have begun to pull away at the top of their groups, many remain locked in tight contests where goal difference and head-to-head results could prove decisive. Matchdays so far have produced narrow wins, surprise draws and late drama, underlining the competitive nature of the tournament. However, pressure is mounting on a number of teams, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Tanzania, who face uphill tasks in their remaining group fixtures. With final group games approaching, teams are increasingly finding themselves in must-win situations as the margin for error continues to shrink across the competition.