AFCON Preview: Groups C & D
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 C & D.
Group C: Can Super Eagles Fly High?
Group C looks to be tightly contested, with Tunisia and Nigeria as the favorites and Uganda and Tanzania looking like outsiders. The Super Eagles will look to veteran Paris FC winger Moses Simon to drive their attack, while Chidozie Awaziem (FC Nantes) will bring versatility to the side's defence. As for the Eagles of Carthage, veteran defenders Ali Abdi (OGC Nice) and Montassar Talbi (FC Lorient) will be key in adding solidity for a side that has lost just twice in its last fifteen matches.
A brilliant idea from Congo! Showcasing Congolese talent across the world 🇨🇩⚽ pic.twitter.com/4pyvlbe3vp
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) December 18, 2025
Group D: Senegal and DR Congo in a battle for top spot
Meanwhile, in Group D, the two favorites to finish to finish top -- DR Congo and Senegal -- both have plenty of Ligue 1 representation. DR Congo lost in the third place match in the 2023 tournament and they've returned with a veteran squad including the LOSC duo of defender Chancel Mbemba and midfielder Ngal'ayel Mukau, as well as Le Havre goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and Montpellier HSC winger Nathanaël Mbuku. Despite a nervy conclusion to qualifying, DR Congo conceded just three goals in their six matches, making their formidable defence key to their hopes of progression.
As for the Lions of Teranga, no less than ten current Ligue 1 players have been called up by manager Pape Thiaw. From established veterans like defenders Krépin Diatta (AS Monaco) and Moussa Niakhaté (Olympique Lyonnais) to youngsters like Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG) and Mamadou Sarr (RC Strasbourg), Senegal will lean heavily on the stars of Ligue 1 McDonald's as they look to secure a first title since 2021.
