AFCON 2025: The Family Meets, Even If Some Seats Are Empty

Every proper family meeting, especially during the festive season, starts the same way: people looking around the room, counting heads, and whispering about who didn’t show up. As AFCON 2025 kicks off in Morocco, one thing is immediately clear: some familiar faces are missing.

Yes, Ghana didn’t make the guest list this time. A family meeting without our brothers with the worst jollof feels strange, but rules are rules. We sent the invitation, even shared the meeting link, but the qualification was the real network issue. No hard feelings, though. There’s still space on the couch to watch the rest of us from home. The family meeting goes on.

And this year, the meeting point is clear: AFCON is officially open, and the living room debates have begun, amidst the Christmas rice and chicken.

AFCON Drama Has Entered the Room

Before the first ball is even kicked, Cameroon has already provided premium family drama. Two squad lists, coaching changes, and enough back-and-forth to power an entire WhatsApp group. Classic AFCON behaviour!

Every family has that one uncle who causes a scene before the party starts, and Cameroon has leaned fully into the role. Whether André Onana shows up or not, all eyes will be on their group game against Gabon on Wednesday, December 24. At AFCON, the football is important, but the drama is never optional.

All Eyes on the First Born: Nigeria vs Tanzania

For Nigerian fans, the real meeting begins on Tuesday evening. The Super Eagles step into AFCON 2025 with something to prove, opening their campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, 23 December at 6:30 pm.

After the heartbreak of the last AFCON final, expectations are high. The “uncles” in the compound are already divided. Some are convinced this is Osimhen’s tournament, others are warning that Tanzania might come to spoil the mood. One thing, however, is not up for debate: when kickoff comes, the remote control belongs to football. No channel flipping. No negotiations. This is the first test and the family will be watching closely.

The Other Cousins to Watch This Week

The opening round has plenty of side conversations to keep the family entertained. Hosts Morocco kick things off against Comoros on Sunday night, with the pressure firmly on them to start strong in front of a home crowd.

Monday brings its own talking points, headlined by Egypt versus Zimbabwe, as the Pharaohs look to remind everyone why they’re still considered African football royalty.

Then on Wednesday, defending champions Ivory Coast return to the table against Mozambique. The big question: are they still hungry, or just satisfied?

First Round Highlights

Sunday, Dec 21

● Morocco vs Comoros — 8:00pm

Monday, Dec 22

● Mali vs Zambia — 3:00pm

● South Africa vs Angola — 6:00pm

● Egypt vs Zimbabwe — 9:00pm

Tuesday, Dec 23

● DR Congo vs Benin — 1:30pm

● Senegal vs Botswana — 4:00pm

● Nigeria vs Tanzania — 6:30pm

● Tunisia vs Uganda — 9:00pm

Wednesday, Dec 24

● Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea — 1:30pm

● Algeria vs Sudan — 4:00pm

● Ivory Coast vs Mozambique — 6:30pm

● Cameroon vs Gabon — 9:00pm

Where the Family Is Watching

Now to the most important part of the meeting: logistics. Every AFCON 2025 match will be shown live on the SuperSport AFCON dedicated channel, available on DStv Channel 202 and GOtv Channel 59. If you’re not there, you’re not in the meeting.

Better still, SuperSport has opened a special Festive Football window. If you’re on DStv Yanga or GOtv Jolli and above, there’s no need to upgrade your package to watch AFCON. Just subscribe or stay connected and enjoy every match plus Premier League and UEFA Champions League football, all through the festive season.

No excuses this December. Pay your subscription, stay locked on Channel 202 or 59, and pull up a chair. The family is meeting. And AFCON has officially begun.

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Source: Legit.ng