AFCON 2025 Is Almost Here — and the Battle Begins in the Group Stage

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 kicks off on December 21, and you can watch the entire tournament exclusively on beIN SPORTS. With the draw now set, one debate immediately resurfaced across Africa and around the world: which group is truly the “group of death”?

Three groups stand above the rest — Group B, Group D, and Group F — each with its own blend of tradition, danger, and heavyweight clashes. But as the 5 Aside panel made clear, one of them is a cut above the rest.

Group B: Tradition, Physicality, and Battle-Hardened Contenders

Angola, Egypt, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Group B is all about experience and identity.

Egypt, the seven-time champion, enters with Mohamed Salah and a mission to reclaim its throne. South Africa brings structure and tactical discipline; Angola and Zimbabwe arrive with young, bold generations ready to punch above their weight.

A demanding group, undeniably. But not the scariest of all.

Group D: Pure African Power and Tournament Pedigree

In Benin, Botswana, DR Congo, and Senegal, Group D offers balance and danger in equal measure.

Senegal, champions in 2021, remain one of the continent’s deepest and most talented squads.
DR Congo, loaded with players thriving in Europe’s major leagues, is unpredictable, physical, and explosive.
Benin and Botswana add toughness and an athletic edge that can complicate even the biggest sides.

A tough draw… but there is still one tier above.

Group F: The Undisputed “Group of Death”

For the 5 Aside panel, the verdict was unanimous:
Group F is the most terrifying group of AFCON 2025.

Cameroon, Gabon, Ivory Coast, and Mozambique.

This is a group where — quite literally — a powerhouse is guaranteed to go home early.

• Ivory Coast, the defending champion, arrives confident and stacked with elite European talent.
• Cameroon, a continental giant, blends tradition, physical dominance, and attacking depth.
• Gabon, led by Aubameyang, Bouanga, and Lemina, narrowly missed a World Cup spot and now plays with an edge between glory and heartbreak.
• Mozambique, often overlooked, has quietly built a competitive, disciplined side.

There is no breathing room here. One bad game can end an entire tournament before Christmas.

Conclusion: A Tournament Where No One Is Safe

AFCON 2025 promises high drama from the opening whistle. Whether through heritage, star power, or sheer competitive balance, Groups B, D, and F set the tone for a fiercely contested tournament.

But only one earns the title of the true “group of death” —
and that is Group F, where three African giants will fight just to stay alive.

And remember: you can watch every match, every upset, and every moment of chaos starting December 21, exclusively on beIN SPORTS.