The Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, which kicks off this Sunday, promises some top-level matches right from the group stage. Between historic rivalries, recent rematches, and declared ambitions, some games are already attracting all the attention. Here's a look at five must-see matches of the first round.

Senegal-DR Congo: Rematch of the 8th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

African champions in 2022, Senegal begins its Moroccan campaign as favorites, but also under considerable pressure. Facing them on December 27th at the Grand Stade de Tanger is DR Congo, an unpredictable opponent capable of upsetting even the most established certainties. This second-round match is reminiscent of their recent encounter during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, marked by a 3-2 home victory for Senegal, a match with far-reaching consequences.

Pape Thiaw's men will rely on the experience and talent of Sadio Mané, while Kalidou Koulibaly will lead a defense expected to put up a fierce fight to repeat this performance. On the other side, Chancel Mbemba, Noah Sadiki, and Cédric Bakambu embody the Leopards' determination, driven by a thirst for revenge. This match promises to be explosive.

Ivory Coast-Cameroon: The Cousins' Derby

Few African clashes evoke so much emotion and symbolism. Ivory Coast and Cameroon, two brotherly nations, meet on December 28th at the Marrakech Stadium, in a clash that revives memories of the great battles of the mid-2000s.

For this crucial second matchday in Group F, the reigning African champions will rely on Franck Kessié and Amad Diallo to set the tempo, while the Indomitable Lions will count on the explosiveness of Bryan Mbeumo. More than just a group match, this encounter could already establish the group's hierarchy.

Morocco-Mali: The Eagles challenge the host country

Riding an impressive 18-game winning streak, Morocco is confidently taking on its home crowd. The Atlas Lions, relying on a solid core and world-class individual talents like Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi (whose participation in the tournament is uncertain), are poised to overcome Mali on December 26th at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

But the Eagles will undoubtedly be in Morocco without any inferiority complex. They possess a deep and experienced midfield with Amadou Haidara and Yves Bissouma, and a quiet but genuine confidence. Their last encounter, a friendly in 2021, ended in a goalless draw, proof of the potential balance of this match.

Nigeria-Tunisia: an electrifying reunion

The history between Nigeria and Tunisia is punctuated by memorable matches, from Tunisia's triumph in the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final to Nigeria's revenge two years later. This new encounter, scheduled for December 27th at the Stade de Fès, promises to be just as intense.

The Super Eagles, led by the tireless Victor Osimhen, will look to impose their attacking prowess. However, the dribbling skills of Ademola Lookman and the speed of Samuel Chukwueze will have to contend with a disciplined Tunisian defense, which remained undefeated during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Egypt-South Africa: Revenge in sight

Seven-time African champions Egypt haven't forgotten the humiliation of 2019, when South Africa knocked the Pharaohs out in Cairo in the round of 16. Six years later, this second-round match, to be played on December 26 at the Agadir Stadium, has the air of a rematch.

Mohamed Salah embodies Egyptian hope, while South Africa, led by Hugo Broos, advances with a skillful mix of youth and experience, carried by Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena.