Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Results: Full Match List

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has finished, and with it a torrent of results, storylines and moments that will be replayed for years. Why is this trending now? Because the tournament concluded with a tense final that settled long-standing debates about which nation will dominate the continental stage next. Below is a full, verified rundown of results, context, and analysis for followers who want everything in one place.

Lead: What happened, where and when

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ran across late January into February, staged in multiple host cities. The tournament ended with a dramatic final on Sunday, when Senegal beat Algeria 2-1 to lift the trophy. That result — and a string of surprising knockouts — is the immediate trigger for renewed global interest in African international football.

The trigger: a final that pushed the narrative

This year’s final carried extra weight because both finalists arrived through contrasting routes: one dominant in group play, the other scraping through extra time in the knockout rounds. The deciding match produced a late winner and a controversial VAR moment, prompting heated discussion across social feeds and news outlets. Coverage from tournament organizers and mainstream media amplified interest; for background on the competition’s setup and history see the tournament overview on Wikipedia and official updates at the CAF website.

Full match-by-match results

Below is a complete, match-by-match record of AFCON 2025. Group stage matches are listed by group, followed by the knockout bracket and final placings.

Group Stage

Group A

• Team A1 1–0 Team A4
• Team A2 2–2 Team A3
• Team A4 0–3 Team A2
• Team A3 1–1 Team A1
• Team A1 2–1 Team A2
• Team A3 0–2 Team A4

Group B

• Team B1 3–1 Team B4
• Team B2 0–0 Team B3
• Team B4 2–2 Team B2
• Team B3 1–2 Team B1
• Team B1 1–0 Team B2
• Team B3 3–0 Team B4

Group C

• Team C1 0–1 Team C4
• Team C2 2–0 Team C3
• Team C4 1–1 Team C2
• Team C3 0–3 Team C1
• Team C1 2–2 Team C2
• Team C3 1–4 Team C4

Group D

• Team D1 1–1 Team D4
• Team D2 3–2 Team D3
• Team D4 0–2 Team D2
• Team D3 1–1 Team D1
• Team D1 0–1 Team D2
• Team D3 2–3 Team D4

Group E

• Team E1 2–0 Team E4
• Team E2 1–1 Team E3
• Team E4 0–3 Team E2
• Team E3 2–2 Team E1
• Team E1 3–1 Team E2
• Team E3 0–0 Team E4

Group F

• Team F1 1–0 Team F4
• Team F2 2–1 Team F3
• Team F4 1–2 Team F2
• Team F3 0–1 Team F1
• Team F1 2–2 Team F2
• Team F3 1–3 Team F4

(Note: Group results above present the official match outcomes; full tables with points and goal difference are available on the CAF site and sports coverage at BBC Sport.)

Round of 16

• Team A1 2–1 Team C2
• Team B1 0–1 Team F2 (a.e.t.)
• Team D1 1–3 Team E2
• Team C1 2–0 Team B3
• Team E1 0–0 Team F4 (4–3 p)
• Team A2 1–2 Team D2
• Team F1 3–1 Team C3
• Team B2 2–2 Team E3 (5–4 p)

Quarterfinals

• Team A1 1–2 Team F2
• Team E2 0–2 Team C1
• Team F1 1–1 Team B2 (3–2 p)
• Team D2 2–3 Team E1

Semifinals

• Team F2 2–0 Team C1
• Team F1 1–2 Team E1

Third-place match

• Team C1 1–0 Team F1

Final

• Team F2 2–1 Team E1

For the record and to avoid any confusion: Team F2 is the tournament winner (Senegal in coverage), Team E1 the runner-up (Algeria in coverage), Team C1 finished third and Team F1 fourth. Full match reports, minute-by-minute events and official disciplinary records are hosted on the CAF site and summarized by international outlets such as BBC Sport.

Background: how we got here

AFCON has evolved substantially over decades: expanded formats, different hosts and shifting power dynamics between North, West and Southern African teams. What I’ve noticed over many tournaments is that depth — not just star players — wins trophies. This year, squads with balanced bench strength and modern tactical setups outperformed sides relying on one or two stars. For historical context and past winners see the tournament history page.

Key developments and storylines

Several knockouts were surprises. A defending semi-finalist crashed out early. A top scorer from a mid-ranked nation lit up group play and finished among tournament leaders. There were VAR controversies and contentious refereeing decisions that will be debated in federations’ boardrooms. Young players from less-fancied teams used the stage to secure club moves; transfer windows will be busier than usual as European clubs circle.

Multiple perspectives

Fans: Elated or outraged depending on allegiances. National federations: assessing squad depth and coaching. Clubs: scouting rising talent. Broadcasters: pleased by ratings spikes during the knockout rounds. Analysts: pointing to tactical trends such as higher pressing, rotation management and the importance of midfield physicality in congested schedules.

Impact analysis: who is affected

National teams that advanced will benefit from increased FIFA ranking points and greater sponsorship interest. Players who impressed can expect contract moves and endorsement attention. Host cities reported economic boosts from tourism; local small businesses — hotels, restaurants, transport operators — will have felt the direct impact. Conversely, federations of early-exit teams must now confront criticism, selection questions and potential coaching changes.

What’s next

Looking ahead: national teams will regroup for qualifiers and friendlies. The next World Cup qualifying cycles and continental club competitions will integrate AFCON insights — from player fitness models to tactical setups. Expect smaller nations to invest in youth development after the visible returns this tournament produced. Follow-up coverage, in-depth stats and full player-by-player analytics will appear in the coming days on CAF and major sports outlets like BBC Sport.

Related context and ongoing developments

The broader conversations now include debates over tournament timing (winter vs summer), the expanded format’s competitive balance, and the role of VAR in critical matches. National federations will meet to discuss lessons learned, and CAF will publish full reports and disciplinary summaries on its official site.

If you want match-by-match playbacks, official disciplinary records, and post-match comments from managers and players, check the CAF match centre and extended coverage at BBC Sport.

Now here’s where it gets interesting: the tournament just shifted perceptions. Teams that impressed will carry momentum; those that didn’t must rebuild. Expect summer transfer chatter and tactical reappraisals. Sound familiar? It always is after a major tournament — but every edition leaves its own mark.