AFCON Preview: Groups E & F
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 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, we will focus on Groups E & F.
Group E: Kebbal looking to make impact for Fennecs
Ilan Kebbal has been excellent for Paris FC, since their promotion to Ligue 1 McDonald's, scoring six goals and registering four assists, and his reward has been a place in Algeria's squad for the AFCON. He only made his debut in October, at the age of 27, and now has three caps to his name.
He will look to make an impact for Les Fennecs, considered one of the favourites for this month's tournament, which takes place in Morocco. He is joined by PFC teammate Samir Chergui, as well as Lille's Aissa Mandi, OGC Nice's Hicham Boudaoui, and goalkeeper Anthony Mandrea, who plies his trade for SM Caen.
In the Group Stage, Algeria will come up against Burkina Faso, who have callled up Hervé Koffi, currently on loan at Angers from Lens, as well as Lorient's Arsene Kouassi. Equitorial Guinea and Sudan complete Group E.
Group F: Can Dina Ebimbe fire Cameroon to glory on debut?
In Group F, Cameroon will be one the favourites to advance and they are also one of the teams, like Algeria, who will look to go far in this year's competition. They will be able to rely on Brest midfielder Éric-Junior Dina Ebimbe, who will make his debut for Cameroon during the tournament. The former PSG midfielder has represented France at youth level, but recently changed his international allegiance.
He is one of seven players that currently feature in France's top two divisions to get the call. In goal, Montpellier's Simon Ngapandouetnbu has received a call-up. Rennes defender Mahamadou Nagida is there, as is Lorient's Darlin Yongwa.
His teammate with Les Merlus, Arthur Avom is present, whilst in attack, Auxerre's Danny Namaso and Frank Magri of Toulouse will look to make the difference.
Our Ivory Coast stars are on their way to Afcon 🇨🇮✨ pic.twitter.com/HjNhKxDDpX
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) December 10, 2025
However, competition is stiff in Group F and holders Ivory Coast will fancy their chances of retaining their title. Strasbourg's Guéla Doué will look to once again feature prominently, whilst Rennes' Seko Fofana and Metz's Jean-Philippe Gbamin have also been called up.
There is also a place for Paris FC's Jean Philippe Krasso. Elsewhere in Group F, Gabon have a strong Ligue 1 McDonald's contingent, including Angers duo Jacques Ekomié and Jim Allevinah, Toulouse's Shavy Babicka, Metz's Uriel-Michel Mboula, and of course, Marseille's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
There are also representatives from Ligue 2 BKT in the form of Amiens' Teddy Averlant, as well as from the lower reaches of French football (Johann Obiang, US Orléan; Bruno Ecuelé Manga, Paris 13 Atlético; Jonathan Do Marcolin, Football Bourg-en-Bresse Péronnas; Royce Openda, Bordeaux). Mozambique complete Group F.
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>> AFCON Preview: Groups A & B
>> AFCON Preview: Groups C & D
>> Europa Conference League: Martial Godo seals top spot for Strasbourg
