The Comoros Islands, Mali, Zambia, and Zimbabwe secured their places at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, while four-time champions Ghana suffered a stunning elimination, marking the end of their decade-long streak of tournament appearances.
Mali’s qualification came under tense circumstances in Maputo, where they claimed a 1-0 victory over Mozambique despite security concerns following disputed election results. Kamory Doumbia scored the decisive goal in a match Mali had sought to postpone or play behind closed doors due to fears of civil unrest.
“We were scared that a loss for the home team might lead to stadium violence,” Mali coach Tom Saintfiet told Reuters before the match, though heavy security presence and low attendance helped ensure a peaceful conclusion.
The tiny Comoros Islands continued their remarkable rise in African football, securing their second-ever finals appearance with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Gambia, sealed by Myziane Maolida’s last-minute winner. Their qualification follows their historic debut at the 2021 tournament in Cameroon.
Zambia booked their spot with a 1-0 victory over already-qualified holders Ivory Coast, courtesy of Kennedy Musonda’s strike just before halftime. Zimbabwe, banned from the previous tournament due to government interference, marked their return to international competition by qualifying despite a 1-1 draw with Kenya in Polokwane, South Africa.
Ghana’s elimination came after a 1-1 draw with Angola, despite Jordan Ayew’s stunning 19th-minute free kick. Substitute Zini’s second-half header ended the Black Stars’ run of 10 consecutive tournament appearances.
In other qualifying action:
– Hosts Morocco demonstrated their tournament credentials with a 5-1 victory over Gabon, featuring a Brahim Diaz double
– Egypt dropped their first points in Group C with a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde
– South Africa overtook Uganda atop Group K with a 2-0 away victory, though both nations had already qualified
The qualification campaign concludes between Saturday and Tuesday, with five places remaining for the 24-team tournament scheduled for December 2025 in Morocco. Nineteen nations have now secured their spots in what promises to be one of the most diverse Africa Cup of Nations fields in recent history.
