The race to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) enters a critical phase as Matchday 4 kicks off with six fixtures spread across the continent on Monday. With every point crucial, teams will be looking to improve their group standings or consolidate their positions as the qualification campaign heats up.
Monday’s Fixtures and What’s at Stake
Here’s a look at the Monday matches and how they could shape the AFCON 2025 qualification journey:
Kenya vs Cameroon – 1 PM GMT
Group J is delicately balanced, with Cameroon currently on 7 points, Kenya trailing with 4 points, and Zimbabwe close behind with 5 points. A win for Kenya at home would bring them level with Cameroon, keeping the group’s qualification hopes wide open. Meanwhile, Cameroon will aim to pull away from the pack and secure vital breathing space.
Gambia vs Madagascar – 2 PM GMT
This Group A encounter features two sides stuck on 2 points after three matches. Both Gambia and Madagascar are desperate for their first win in the qualifiers to keep their slim hopes alive. With Tunisia (6 points) and Comoros (5 points) ahead, anything less than a win would be a severe blow to their qualification ambitions.
Liberia vs Equatorial Guinea – 4 PM GMT
Equatorial Guinea, sitting second in Group E with 4 points, will look to solidify their position with a win against bottom-placed Liberia. Liberia, with just 1 point, must win to stay mathematically in the race, but they’ll face stiff resistance from a determined Equatorial Guinea squad hoping to close the gap on group leaders Algeria.
Zimbabwe vs Namibia – 4 PM GMT
In Group J, Zimbabwe hosts a struggling Namibia side still without a point. A win for Zimbabwe would boost their tally to 8 points and potentially put them on top, depending on the result between Kenya and Cameroon. Namibia, already in dire straits, must win to keep their campaign alive.
Togo vs Algeria – 4 PM GMT
Algeria leads Group E with a perfect 9 points, and another win against Togo could secure their qualification for AFCON 2025. Togo, with 2 points, must find a way to upset the in-form Algerians to keep their slim hopes alive. However, Algeria’s experience and quality will make them heavy favorites.
Eswatini vs Mozambique – 7 PM GMT
Eswatini, with just 1 point, hosts Mozambique, who are second in Group I with 5 points. Mozambique can take a giant leap toward qualification with a win, putting pressure on group leaders Mali. Eswatini, however, must find a spark to turn their campaign around before it’s too late.
With crucial points on the line, Matchday 4 promises plenty of drama and excitement. Will we see upsets, dominant performances, or teams hanging on to their qualification dreams by a thread? As the action unfolds, fans across Africa will be glued to their screens, eager to see how the road to Morocco 2025 continues to take shape.
