The draw of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to take place tonight at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, starting at 9 PM EAT.
Uganda, placed in Pot 3, is among the 24 nations eagerly awaiting the outcome of the draw as they prepare for their eighth AFCON appearance and their first since 2019.
Draw Procedure
Host nation Morocco automatically occupy position A1, while the remaining teams are drawn sequentially from Pot 4 to Pot 1 to complete the six groups.
Each group will consist of one team from each pot.
Pot Allocations
– Pot 1: Morocco (A1), Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire
– Pot 2: Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo, Burkina Faso
– Pot 3: Uganda, Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Benin
– Pot 4: Mozambique, Comoros, Tanzania, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Botswana
Potential Opponents for Uganda
As a Pot 3 team, Uganda will avoid being drawn against fellow Pot 3 nations Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, and Benin.
However, they could face challenging opponents from the remaining pots.
From Pot 1, Uganda could face African powerhouses like reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire, seven-time winners Egypt, or hosts Morocco.
Other formidable teams include Senegal, the 2021 champions, as well as Algeria and Nigeria, both of whom boast strong squads.
Pot 2 presents no less of a challenge, with Cameroon, Tunisia, and DR Congo among the continent’s most consistent performers.
South Africa, who topped Uganda’s qualifying group, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, also pose significant threats.
From Pot 4, Uganda might draw one of the emerging teams in Pot 4, such as Tanzania, Sudan, or Zimbabwe, who all have some experience on the continental stage.
Mozambique, Comoros, and Botswana round out the pot and could offer a more favorable matchup.
Uganda’s Road to AFCON
The Cranes booked their ticket to Morocco after finishing second in a competitive qualifying group that included leaders South Africa, Congo, and South Sudan.
Their qualification marks an important milestone as Uganda returns to the continental stage, aiming to build on its history of seven previous AFCON appearances.
Beyond AFCON 2025, Uganda has an eye on the future as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 edition alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
The 2025 tournament will be a valuable opportunity to test their mettle against Africa’s best as they gear up to host the continent’s premier football competition.
