5 conclusions from the AFCON qualifying week

Morocco players celebrate during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers ©Nabil Ramdani/BackpagePix

Wednesday Oct 16, 2024. 10:54

With matchday four of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers having passed, here are five notable conclusions following Tuesday’s fixture list.

Morocco’s immaculate form

Moroccan football have been in a great space during the last couple of years and are expected to challenge for next year’s AFCON trophy on home soil. The Atlas Lions boast a perfect record in Group B, with four wins from four matches played so far. Adding to their blistering form, Morocco conceded just one goal during their qualifying bid, while scoring 14 goals along the way.

Senegal surge on

While Morocco fired on all cylinders, Senegal were among the first nations to qualify for the 2025 tournament. The Lions of Teranga was spurred on by an adamant Sadio Mane during their 1-0 win against Malawi on Tuesday, as the Al Nassr star netted a stunning 96th minute free-kick to gift his nation a ticket to next year’s showpiece.

Have Ghana lost their aura?

It can be said that Ghana look a shadow of the team that qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. After picking up just two points in Group F, the Black Stars face an uphill battle to qualify for the 2025 AFCON. Their recent 2-0 loss to Sudan came as one of many negative points throughout their qualifying campaign as they remain winless after four matches played.

Bafana become contenders

South Africa have been one of the most entertaining teams on the continent in the last couple of months and are well on course to qualify for the Morocco showpiece. Bafana Bafana’s 5-0 win against Congo on matchday three made headlines throughout African media last week, with many coming to the conclusion that South Africa could challenge for the title next year.

AFCON’s increase in popularity

With the qualifying campaign heading towards the concluding phases, fans have continued to fill stadiums on the continent. Then, as an encouraging factor, many neutral venues have been well attended in the last couple of weeks.