The qualifying series for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) concluded on Tuesday, delivering a mix of emphatic victories and shocking exits. With 24 teams securing their spots, the focus now shifts to preparations for the first-ever December AFCON, hosted by Morocco, which begins in 13 months.

One of the most stunning stories of the qualifiers was the elimination of Ghana’s Black Stars. The four-time champions and perennial AFCON heavyweights finished last in Group F, winless in six matches against Angola, Sudan, and Niger Republic. Ghana’s shocking fall included home losses and a dismal performance that will be remembered as one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

Elsewhere, Tunisia, despite qualifying, faced humiliation on the final matchday. A 1-0 loss to Gambia in Tunis saw them lose their top spot in Group A to Comoros, who edged Madagascar with a 1-0 win to cap an unbeaten campaign.

Meanwhile, Morocco, hosts of AFCON 2025, ended their qualifiers with a commanding 7-0 victory over Lesotho. Playing at the Stade d’Honneur d’Oujda, the Atlas Lions showcased their dominance with goals from Brahim Díaz (brace), Soufiane Rahimi, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Ismael Saibari. Morocco finished with a perfect six wins from six games and an incredible +24 goal difference, cementing their status as tournament favorites.

Gabon also wrapped up their campaign on a high, edging the Central African Republic (CAR) 1-0 to secure second place in Group B. A second-half penalty sealed their victory as they joined Morocco in the finals.

Comoros, a rising force in African football, delivered one of the standout performances of the qualifiers. Their 1-0 victory over Madagascar, thanks to Yacine Bourhane’s second-half goal, ensured they finished top of Group A. Comoros showcased defensive solidity throughout, going unbeaten with 12 points from six games.

With teams like Morocco dominating and shock eliminations like Ghana, the qualifiers have set the stage for an intriguing tournament. While some nations will use the next 13 months to rebuild, others, like Morocco, will aim to maintain momentum as they prepare for Africa’s biggest football showcase.

The 2025 AFCON promises to be a spectacle, blending the continent’s traditional powerhouses with emerging teams looking to leave their mark.