The final day of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers saw Sudan clinch their place in the tournament, while Libya’s campaign ended in disappointment after a goalless draw against Benin.
Libya’s 0-0 stalemate with Benin at home sealed their fate, leaving them at the bottom of Group D with just four points. Despite putting up a spirited defensive effort, Libya failed to convert chances in front of a home crowd eager for a victory.
Benin, needing just a point to secure qualification, played cautiously but effectively.
The Squirrels held firm against Libya’s pressing attack, earning the result they needed to join Nigeria in the AFCON finals.
Elsewhere in Group D, Nigeria fell 2-1 to Rwanda in a surprising result but retained their place at the top of the standings with 11 points, thanks to their earlier consistency in the campaign.
Rwanda’s victory, while impressive, was not enough to secure qualification as they finished level on points with Benin but behind on head-to-head results.
Sudan booked their spot in the AFCON finals after a hard-fought goalless draw against Angola.
The result, combined with Niger’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana, ensured Sudan advanced as the second-placed team in Group F with eight points.
Angola, already qualified, controlled much of the game but found Sudan’s defense impenetrable.
The Falcons of Jediane, needing at least a draw to progress, executed a disciplined game plan to secure their place in Morocco.
Niger’s late win against Ghana was bittersweet.
Despite their spirited effort and a stoppage-time winner, they fell one point short of qualification, finishing third in the group standings.
Ghana, without a single win in six matches, ended at the bottom of the table with just three points.
In Group A, Gambia shocked Tunisia with a 1-0 away victory, but the result had no impact on qualification as both Comoros and Tunisia had already secured their spots in Morocco.
Group B saw Morocco complete a perfect campaign with an emphatic 7-0 win over Lesotho.
Gabon joined them as runners-up, following their narrow 1-0 triumph against the Central African Republic.
Meanwhile, Malawi thrashed Burkina Faso 3-0 in Group L, but both teams will watch from the sidelines in Morocco as Senegal and Burkina Faso had already qualified.
The stage is now set for an intense tournament in Morocco, with Sudan celebrating a well-earned qualification and Libya left to reflect on missed opportunities.
As the final list of competitors takes shape, all eyes turn to Africa’s footballing showcase in 2025.
