AFCON 2025 Day 4 Schedule: Heavyweights Take Centre Stage in Groups E and F

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations keeps getting better, and today, Wednesday, December 24, 2025, exciting matches are lined up.

With the opening salvos of Groups A through D already fired, the spotlight shifts to the heavyweights of Groups E and F, featuring some of the biggest names in African football.

From the coastal breeze of Casablanca to the historic gates of Rabat, four matches are set to define the early momentum for several title favourites.

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Venue: Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca

Time: 12:30 GMT

The day begins in Casablanca with a high-stakes clash between the Stallions of Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea. Burkina Faso has become a perennial dark horse in AFCON, consistently reaching the latter stages of the tournament.

However, they face a resilient Equatorial Guinea side that has earned a reputation as the giant slayers in recent years.

With Algeria also in this group, this match is widely seen as a pivotal battle for the second qualification spot, making every goal crucial for their knockout stage ambitions.

Venue: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat

Time: 15:00 GMT

The action shifts to Rabat, where Algeria begins its quest for redemption. After two consecutive disappointing group-stage exits, the Desert Foxes are under immense pressure to prove they still belong among Africa’s elite.

Under the guidance of Vladimir Petković, Algeria boasts a squad filled with European-based talent, but they face a Sudan side that has historically been difficult to break down. This match serves as a major test for Algeria’s new tactical structure against a disciplined Sudanese defence.

Venue: Marrakech Stadium, Marrakech

Time: 17:30 GMT

The evening session brings the glamour of the defending champions. Ivory Coast enters the tournament with the weight of expectation, looking to become the first team to retain the trophy since Egypt’s legendary run in the late 2000s.

Led by Emerse Faé, the Elephants are strong favourites, but they must be wary of opening-day nerves. Mozambique, the ‘Mambas,’ arrive as underdogs but will look to exploit any lapses in the Ivorian defence to claim what would be a historic point.

Venue: Adrar Stadium, Agadir

Time: 20:00 GMT

The day’s finale is a mouth-watering Central African derby. Cameroon, the Indomitable Lions, carry five continental stars on their jerseys and a legacy of dominance.

However, they face a Gabon side that thrives on regional rivalries and possesses enough individual quality to punish any lack of focus.

Given the physical nature of both teams and the proximity of the two nations, this encounter in Agadir is expected to be the most atmospheric and intense match of the opening round.

Today’s matches follow a thrilling Tuesday where the big guns largely lived up to the hype. Nigeria secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania, thanks to a clinical finish from Ademola Lookman.

Meanwhile, Tunisia made a loud statement with a 3-1 win against Uganda, and Senegal reminded everyone why they are favourites with a dominant 3-0 display against Botswana.

As the sun sets over the Atlas Mountains today, the world will know if the defending champions are still the force they were two years ago, and if the heavyweights of Groups E and F are ready to reclaim their former glory.