The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the eagerly anticipated preliminary round draw for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The draw ceremony, held at CAF’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, provided football enthusiasts with an initial glimpse into the thrilling journey that lies ahead for the continent’s footballing nations.
Scheduled for Tuesday, the draw saw the participation of the eight lowest-ranked teams based on the latest FIFA rankings.
This inclusion not only adds an element of unpredictability but also underscores the inclusivity of the tournament, offering smaller nations an opportunity to make their mark on the continental stage.
The preliminary draw results are as follows:
First leg:
- Somalia vs Eswatini
- Sao Tome vs South Sudan
- Chad vs Mauritius
- Djibouti vs Liberia
Second leg:
- Eswatini vs Somalia
- South Sudan vs Sao Tome
- Mauritius vs Chad
- Liberia vs Djibouti
Set to unfold between the 20th and 26th of March 2024, these fixtures will be contested on a home and away basis, promising gripping encounters as teams vie for progression to the next stage of the competition.
The significance of these preliminary matches cannot be overstated, as the four triumphant teams will earn the coveted opportunity to join the 44 exempted teams in the group stage.
This amalgamation of victors and exempted teams sets the stage for intense competition and sets the tone for what promises to be a captivating AFCON tournament.
Amidst the anticipation surrounding the preliminary fixtures, it’s worth noting that a total of 24 teams will ultimately partake in the AFCON 2025 finals.
This prestigious event is slated to be hosted by Morocco, further enhancing the allure of the tournament and elevating the excitement among fans and players alike.
As the countdown begins and football fever grips the continent, the unveiling of the preliminary round draw serves as a tantalizing prelude to the exhilarating spectacle that awaits in the AFCON 2025 finals.
With dreams to chase and glory to pursue, the journey to African football’s grandest stage has officially commenced.
