AFCON Preview: Groups A & B
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations starting this weekend, we'll take a closer look at all six groups to see what's at stake for the representatives from Ligue 1 McDonald's. Today's feature will focus on Groups A & B.
Group A: Hakimi returns for the hosts
Following on from their impressive performance at the 2022 World Cup, hosts Morocco were stunned by South Africa two years ago in 2024, being eliminated in the Round of 16 of the previous AFCON. Still led by Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions will welcome back a pair of key performers from Ligue 1 McDonald's in the form of Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) and Hamza Igamane (LOSC Lille). While the two have missed time through injury of late, their returns will add dynamism and a poacher's eye for goal to the squad. They'll be joined by a pair of center backs -- the experienced Nayef Aguerd (Olympique de Marseille) and the youngster Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal (Stade Rennais).
The rest of the group features a Comoros side with several France-based amateur and Ligue 2 BKT players, as well a Zambia team lacking in star power. The real challenge will come instead from a Mali side that boasts a half-dozen igue 1 players, including midfield sensation Mamadou Sangare (RC Lens), wily forward Lassine Sinayoko (AJ Auxerre) and creative midfielder Kamory Doumbia (Stade Brestois). Their clash with the hosts on December 26 will likely go a long way towards deciding top spot in Group A.
Hakimi & Igamane with the Morocco national team ❤️🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/c8C9Bg6BQO
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) December 16, 2025
Group B: An evenly-matched quartet
There are fewer players from Ligue 1 McDonald's in Group B, but that doesn't mean the ones who have been called up won't be vital to their countries' chances of progression. Egypt are probably just about favorites to top Group B, and FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed will be key to their hopes, his physical prowess forming a focal point for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Trézeguet on the flanks. Elsewhere in the group, veteran Lyon defender Clinton Mata will be joined by M'Bala Nzola, late of Lens for Angola as they look to secure progress to the Round of 16.
