Every AFCON Team Squad, Schedule, Key Players and Major Absentees

The countdown to African football’s grandest stage is on as the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 draws closer. With the AFCON start date of December 21 just weeks away, attention across the continent has shifted to Morocco’s host preparations and the eagerly awaited AFCON squads 2025 announcements.

One headline making waves is the controversy surrounding Cameroon’s AFCON team squad selection. In a dramatic move signaling both a generational and political shift, the Indomitable Lions have omitted star goalkeeper Andre Onana (currently on loan at Trabzonspor from Manchester United) and veteran forward and captain Vincent Aboubakar from their final AFCON teams squad 2025. The bold exclusions have sparked intense debate ahead of what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament.

AFCON Schedule 2025

The AFCON schedule 2025 kicks off on December 21, with host nation Morocco facing Comoros in the opening match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The group stage runs through to December 31, featuring multiple matches each day across six Moroccan cities. The knockout rounds begin with the Round of 16 from January 3 to January 6, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final on January 18, 2026.

AFCON Teams Squads 2025: Key Players and Group Breakdown

The 24 qualified teams have been drawn into six groups of four. Below is a breakdown of the groups and the key players expected to lead their AFCON teams' squad charge.

Group A

Morocco: The team is yet to announce their squad for the upcoming AFCON 2025, but they are going to heavily rely on the stars who play in the European leagues. PSG right-back Achraf Hakimi will be one of their key players in the tournament.

Mali: Mali's AFCON 2025 squad features a mix of experience and young talent led by key players like Yves Bissouma from Tottenham, midfielders Aliou Dieng and Mohamed Camara, and striker Kamory Doumbia. Under the guidance of coach Tom Saintfiet, the squad aims to make a strong impact with a solid defensive and dynamic midfield lineup supporting their attack.

Zambia: Yet to announce.

Comoros: Yet to announce.

Group B

Egypt: Egypt's AFCON 2025 squad is anchored by their talisman Mohamed Salah, supported by strong midfielders like Ramadan Sobhi and Amr El Solia. The Pharaohs boast a well-rounded squad under coach Hossam Hassan, blending seasoned veterans and emerging stars to maintain their status as tournament favourites.

South Africa: The squad features a blend of experienced leaders like captain Thuso Phala and exciting young talents such as Kamohelo Mahlatsi. Under coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana aims to combine solid defensive organisation with rapid counter-attacks.

Angola: Yet to announce.

Zimbabwe: Experienced players like midfielder Marvelous Nakamba and striker Knowledge Musona form the core of Zimbabwe's AFCON 2025 team. In order to build a competitive and resilient team, coach Norman Mapeza has concentrated on combining young, talented players with seasoned warriors.

Group C

Nigeria: Nigeria is dealing with the fallout from not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, going into AFCON 2025, which has led to talks of updating the team. Veterans like Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong are still important players, but coach Eric Chelle is apparently thinking about bringing in fresh talent by bringing in young, talented players like Ryan Alebiosu and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.

Tunisia: Yet to announce.

Uganda: Yet to announce.

Tanzania: Yet to announce.

Group D

Senegal: Its AFCON 2025 squad blends seasoned veterans with emerging talent, led by key figures such as captain Kalidou Koulibaly, prolific forward Sadio Mane, and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The squad also features dynamic players like Idrissa Gana Gueye in midfield and Nicolas Jackson upfront, aiming to combine defensive solidity with swift attacking play.

DR Congo: With captain Chancel Mbemba spearheading the defence, DR Congo's 2025 AFCON team is a calculated mix of seasoned internationals and up-and-coming talent. Fiston Mayele, Noah Sadiki, and Axel Tuanzebe are important players on the club who provide both offence and stability.

Benin: Yet to be announced.

Botswana: Yet to be announced.

Group E

Algeria: Yet to be announced.

Burkina Faso: Yet to be announced.

Equatorial Guinea: Yet to be announced.

Sudan: Yet to be announced.

Group F

Cote d'Ivoire: Yet to be announced.

Cameroon: With coach David Pagou revealing a youthful and exciting lineup, Cameroon's AFCON 2025 team ushers in a new era. Notably absentees are captain Vincent Aboubakar and veteran Andre Onana, whose absences have generated criticism and illustrate a distinct generational shift. The team relies on young players like Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo to lead the attack and midfield innovation.

Gabon: Yet to be announced.

Mozambique: Yet to be announced.

Major Absentees in AFCON 2025

This year’s AFCON will see notable absences, with major stars missing due to injury, non-qualification, or controversial squad decisions. Cameroon dropped high-profile players Andre Onana and Vincent Aboubakar, signalling a new era.

Ghana, four-time champions, failed to qualify for the first time since 2004, ruling out stars like Mohammed Kudus. Additionally, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Namibia, all participants in the last edition, missed out on the tournament.