Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ANXIETY is rising among players and supporters heading for Morocco, where Afcon roars to life in less than a month. All 24 teams have booked their tickets, and the continent’s biggest tournament runs from December 21 to January 18, 2026.
Zimbabwe are back on the grand stage and carry the weight of a nation desperate to see the Warriors finally break their group stage ceiling.
Their last four appearances ended in early exits, a run that began after their debut in Tunisia in 2004. This time, belief is louder.
Below is a glance at the finalists and what their history tells us.
Group A
Morocco: A mix of triumphs and frustrations. Champions in 1976, runners-up in 2004, and consistent quarter-final contenders in recent years. Their biggest worry is failing to turn talent into titles.
Comoros: A fairytale story still unfolding. Their only Afcon outing in 2021 ended in a respectable Round of 16 finish.
Mali: A team that always threatens. Runners-up in 1972 and regulars in the knockout stages. Mali can upset anyone on their day.
Zambia: Champions in 2012 and twice runners-up, but recent years have seen them struggle. Their last Afcon appearance ended in the group stages in 2023.
Group B
Angola: A side that often punches above its weight. Quarter finalists in 2008 and 2010, though recent tournaments haven’t been kind.
Egypt: The most decorated nation in Afcon history. Seven-time champions, including that famous treble from 2006 to 2010. They still command respect.
South Africa: Champions in 1996, runners-up in 1998 and bronze medallists in 2000. Their 2023 third-place finish hinted at a comeback.
Zimbabwe: Five Afcon appearances. Five group stage exits. The Warriors now hope to rewrite that script.
Group C
Nigeria: A genuine heavyweight. Three-time champions and regular podium finishers. Even when they look shaky, they find a way to matter.
Tanzania: Still growing at this level. All three of their appearances, including 2023, ended in the group stages.
Tunisia: Champions in 2004 and one of the most consistent sides, often reaching the quarter finals. They remain dangerous.
Uganda: Their best run came in 1978 when they finished runners-up. Since returning to Afcon in 2017, they’ve been steady but unspectacular.
Group D
Botswana: They’ve only been here once. Group stage exit.
DR Congo: Two-time champions, famously in 1968 and 1974. Regular knockout contenders with a strong recent record, including fourth place in 2023.
Senegal: Champions in 2021 and finalists in 2019 and 2002. One of the tournament favourites again.
Group E
Algeria: Champions in 1990 and 2019. They’ve struggled in the last two tournaments but retain world-class talent.
Burkina Faso: Runners-up in 2013 and consistent performers. They rarely go down quietly.
Equatorial Guinea: One of Afcon’s surprise packages. Fourth place in 2015 and quarter finalists in 2021.
Sudan: Champions in 1970, but now regular group stage casualties.
Group F
Cameroon: Five-time champions with a deep Afcon pedigree. Their last title came in 2017. Always a threat.
Gabon: Quarter finalists in 1996 and are usually unpredictable. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s presence often defines them.
Ivory Coast: Champions in 1992 and 2015, and again in 2023. A powerhouse with a history of deep runs.
Mozambique: Talented but still chasing their first knockout stage appearance.
