Today marks the start of a pivotal period in the AFCON 2025 group stage, with four matches that will determine the final 16. Giants like Nigeria, Tunisia, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are represented in Groups C and D, along with hungry outsiders like Uganda, Tanzania, Benin, and Botswana, all of which are still holding out hope for qualification.
Group C: Tanzania vs Tunisia, Uganda vs Nigeria
Tanzania vs Tunisia Group situation: Tanzania essentially needs a victory to maintain their AFCON ambition, while Tunisia is aiming for a result that guarantees qualification. While a Tanzanian victory pushes them into the qualification discussion as a possible top-two or best third-place team, a Tunisian victory ensures advancement.
Nigeria vs Uganda Group situation: Nigeria is already in the round of 16 and might win or draw to take first place. For Uganda to have a genuine chance of moving forward, they need to get a 3 points which means, they need to defect Nigeria to have a chance to move to the round of 16.
Group D: Benin vs Senegal, Botswana vs DR Congo
Benin vs Senegal Group situation: Senegal is very close to qualifying and can almost certainly secure first position with a win. A draw most likely keeps them safe. Benin must aim for three points in order to have a reasonable chance of advancing to the round of 16.
Botswana vs. DR Congo Group situation: DR Congo knows that a win puts them ahead and could put them at the top if Senegal falters. In order to survive, Botswana, which is in last place, must both win and get help from the other matches.