AFCON 2025 squad announcements have begun to redraw the tournament map in Morocco, with a flurry of final lists, bold recalls, and eye-catching omissions setting the tone for a compelling December. Defending champions Ivory Coast headline the week by recalling Wilfried Zaha while leaving out two 2023 heroes, Uganda make a statement by landing first in Morocco, Tanzania confirm a battle-ready 28, Zambia blend youth with experience, Gabon rally behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Comoros assemble a balanced roster, and Burkina Faso opt for a tight 25.
Ivory Coast go bold with returns and omissions
The reigning champions have chosen refresh over sentiment, and it feels like a defining call. Emerse Fae has handed Wilfried Zaha a surprise return to the Elephants, while Nicolas Pepe and Simon Adingra are notable omissions. Zaha, now 33, has been revitalised on loan at Charlotte and even sharpened his edge by training with non-league Croydon Athletic, a club he co-owns, a detail that underscores the hunger that fuelled his comeback.
Pepe misses out in spite of regular minutes with Villarreal, and Adingra, a key supplier in the 2023 final win over Nigeria, also sits out after limited minutes at Sunderland this season. It is a clear message that form and fit come first as Ivory Coast chase another title in Morocco.
Ivory Coast squad in full
- Goalkeepers, Yahia Fofana (Caykur Rizespor), Mohamed Kone (Charleroi), Alban Lafont (Panathinaikos).
- Defenders, Emmanuel Agbadou (Wolves), Willy Boly (Nottingham Forest), Ousmane Diomande (Sporting), Guela Doue (Strasbourg), Ghislain Konan (Gil Vicente), Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta), Evan Ndicka (Roma), Christopher Operi (Istanbul Basaksehir), Armel Zohouri (Iberia 1999).
- Midfielders, Seko Fofana (Rennes), Jean-Philippe Gbamin (Metz), Christ Inao Oulai (Trabzonspor), Franck Kessie (Al-Ahli), Ibrahim Sangare (Nottingham Forest), Jean-Michael Seri (Maribor).
- Forwards, Vakoun Bayo (Udinese), Oumar Diakite (Cercle Brugge), Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig), Sebastien Haller (Utrecht), Jean-Philippe Krasso (Paris FC), Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim), Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte).
- Reserves, Evann Guessand (Aston Villa), Guiagon Parfait (Royal Charleroi).
Uganda land first in Morocco and embrace a new mindset
Uganda have become the first team to arrive in Morocco, and Paul Put is making the early miles count. The Belgian coach talked about a shift in mentality and a squad transformed in belief, character and competitive edge, all of which he says will matter in a daunting Group C with Nigeria, Tunisia and Tanzania.
“There is a big change in mentality. The boys believe in themselves, and they are ready to compete,” Put said after settling into their Moroccan base.
Put has deliberately brought the team in early to acclimatize to the conditions, to adjust to altitude, and to refine structure. Preparation, he stressed, is everything. The Cranes may arrive as perceived underdogs, yet the mood in camp is purposeful and unified.
“We respect every opponent, but we fear no one. Uganda will compete. Uganda will fight,” he said, underlining the tone for their build up.
Tanzania confirm 28 and talk belief in a group of fire
Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has named his final 28, with captain Mbwana Samatta and veteran forward Simon Msuva leading the Taifa Stars into Group C alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and Uganda. The list features a strong core from the Tanzanian Premier League and carries the confidence of a team desperate to push past the group phase for the first time.
Gamondi has praised domestic clubs for their role in fostering standards inside the national setup. Samatta returns on the back of good form with Le Havre, while Msuva, based in Iraq, remains a trusted figure. The path will be unforgiving, yet the coach insists the focus is firm.
“We know the challenge ahead of us, but we believe in our preparation and in the spirit of this team,” Gamondi said.
Tanzania open against Nigeria on Tuesday, December 23, at Complexe Sportif de Fès, a stage that will quickly test their readiness for Group C’s intensity.
Zambia blend youth and experience with Patson Daka at the front
Zambia coach Moses Sichone has unveiled his final 28 for Morocco, and the balance feels deliberate. The list includes first-time call-ups like Matthews Banda, Given Kalusa, Pascal Phiri and Eliya Mandanji, rewards for standout domestic campaigns that have expanded the Chipolopolo pool.
The goalkeeping department has been reshaped with three uncapped selections, Lawrence Mulenga, Francis Mwansa and Willard Mwanza. Patson Daka leads the overseas group that also features Austria-based Jack Kalichi Lahne, along with Joseph Liteta, Kings Kangwa and Lameck Banda. Zambia will run a final camp in Murcia, Spain from December 11 to 17, targeting full integration once foreign-based players report after December 15.
There is a palpable urgency with a tough group featuring hosts Morocco on December 21, then Mali on December 26 and Comoros on December 30. Two U17 World Cup standouts, Jonathan Kalimina and Abel Nyirongo, are on standby, a nod to the pipeline that has kept Zambia competitive.
Zambia squad snapshot
- First-time call-ups, Matthews Banda, Given Kalusa, Pascal Phiri, Eliya Mandanji.
- Goalkeepers, Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos).
- Defenders, Stopilla Sunzu, Frankie Musonda, Kabaso Chongo, Matthews Banda, Dominic Chanda, Gift Mphande, Obino Chisala, David Hamasenya, Benson Sakala.
- Midfielders, Miguel Changa Chaiwa, Owen Tembo, Joseph Liteta, Kings Kangwa, Given Kalusa, David Simukonda, Wilson Chisala, Joseph Sabobo Banda, Lameck Banda, Fashion Sakala, Lubambo Musonda.
Gabon rally behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and an experienced core
Gabon are back on the continental stage with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang again at the heart of their hopes. At 36, and fresh from an impressive run with Marseille that includes eight goals and nine assists, Aubameyang’s inclusion is both expected and energizing for a side that missed the 2023 edition.
Head coach Thierry Mouyouma has stayed loyal to a seasoned core featuring Denis Bouanga, defensive leader Bruno Ecuele Manga, midfield engine Mario Lemina and full-back Jacques Ekomié. Malick Evouna earns a dramatic recall after last featuring in 2019, while emerging winger Royce Openda keeps his place ahead of Yannis Mbemba, a decision that stirred debate among fans. Injury returnees Jim Allevinah and Shavy Babicka deepen the attacking options.
Gabon are drawn in Group F with Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique, opening on December 24 in Agadir, then facing Mozambique on December 28 and Ivory Coast on December 31.
Gabon squad in full
- Goalkeepers, Mbaba Loyce Marius, Ngoubi Demba Anse, Bekale Junior.
- Defenders, Oyono Antony, Oyono Jérémy, Obiang Johann, Ekomie Jacques, Appindangoye A., Ecuele Manga Bruno, Moucketou Alex, Kila Onfia Mick, Do Marcolino Jonathan, Mboula Uriel-Michel.
- Midfielders, Mario Lemina, Nze Samake, Kanga Guelor, Bocoum Eric, Poko B. André, Loufilou Ruben, Ndong Ibrahim.
- Forwards, Shavy Babicka, Avelrant Teddy, Denis Bouanga, Essang-Matou Edlin, Malick Evouna, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Royce Openda, Jim Allevinah.
Comoros reveal a balanced list with an intriguing debut
Comoros have unveiled a 26-man squad that leans on continuity while introducing fresh energy. The goalkeeping trio features Salim Boina, Youssouf Pandor and Ali Anzimati, while the defensive line is anchored by Kassim M’Dahoma, Younes Zahary and Benjaloud Youssouf, with young defenders Ibro Boura and Youssouf Saïd Mmadi adding depth.
In midfield, the core of Zaidou Youssouf, Youssouf M’Changama and Yacine Bourhane provide familiarity, complemented by Ibrahim Mohamed, Roddy Lutin and Rafiki Vita. The attack mixes proven threats Faïz Selemani, Myziane Maolida and Rafidine Saïd with El Fardou Ben Mohamed and Matt Ozir Mattor. The most intriguing inclusion is a young talent listed as 1Pliké140, a debutant who gives this list a genuine wildcard.
Comoros have scheduled games against Gambia at Stade Municipal de Berkane and against Madagascar at Stade d’Al-Hoceïmat, both set for 19:00 GMT. The ambition is clear, build on their celebrated 2021 run and reemerge as a surprise package.
Burkina Faso choose a tight 25 with fresh edges and a strong spine
Brama Traoré has announced a final 25-man squad for Burkina Faso, three below the permitted 28, signaling faith in a compact and clearly defined group. The Stallions are paired with Algeria, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan in Group E, and the balance of Europe-based experience with new faces stands out.
Left-backs Abdoul Ayindé and Arsène Kouassi are in line for their first AFCON appearances, while Landry Kaboré headlines attacking newcomers alongside Georgi Minoungou, Lassina Traoré, Irié Cyriaque and Mohamed Zoungrana. Hervé Koffi, Kilian Nikiema and Sofiane Farid Ouédraogo headline a consistent goalkeeping unit.
Burkina Faso squad in full
- Goalkeepers, Hervé Koffi (Angers), Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag), Sofiane Farid Ouédraogo (Al Hilal SC).
- Defenders, Nasser Yacouba Djiga (Rangers), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Issoufou Dayo (Umm Salal), Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven), Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol), Issa Kaboré (Wrexham), Arsène Kouassi (Lorient), Abdoul Rachid Ayindé (Gent).
- Midfielders, Ibrahim Blati Touré (Pyramids), Cédric Badolo (Spartak Trnava), Saïdou Simporé (National Bank), Mohamed Zougrana (MC Alger), Gustavo Sangaré (Noah), Stéphane Aziz Ki (Wydad Casablanca), Ismahila Ouédraogo (OB Odense).
- Forwards, Bertrand Traoré (Sunderland), Dango Ouattara (Brentford), Ousseni Bouda (San Jose Earthquakes), Pierre Landry Kaboré (Hearts), Georgi Minoungou (Seattle Sounders), Cyriaque Iré (Freiburg), Lassina Traoré (Shakhtar Donetsk).
What this first wave of lists tells us
The early announcements reveal a shared theme, trust in seasoned leaders balanced by brave opportunities for form players and new faces. Ivory Coast have chosen sharp edges over nostalgia, Uganda have chased time on the ground to harden belief, and Tanzania have bet on a strong domestic base with a few headline figures to carry marquee moments.
Zambia’s integration plan, complete with a Spain-based camp and a tranche of first-time call-ups, nods to long-term squad renewal. Gabon have leaned on the poise of Aubameyang and long-serving pillars, while Comoros have doubled down on chemistry with just enough intrigue to unsettle opponents. Burkina Faso’s compact 25 suggests role clarity and competition in every line.
Key dates to circle
- Tournament build up begins with Uganda already in Morocco as of December 10,
- Zambia face hosts Morocco on December 21, then Mali on December 26 and Comoros on December 30,
- Tanzania open against Nigeria on Tuesday December 23 at Complexe Sportif de Fès,
- Gabon kick off Group F in Agadir on December 24, then play Mozambique on December 28 and Ivory Coast on December 31.
The human heartbeat behind the headlines
These lists capture more than names. Zaha’s return tells a story of persistence, of a player who stayed ready and found a way back into the fold. Uganda’s arrival first in Morocco speaks to a group that wants to take control of every controllable, from altitude to tempo, before the first whistle.
For Tanzania, a generation moulded at home now seeks to carry the flag a step beyond the group stage. Zambia have opened the door for emerging domestic performers, signaling that the jersey is earned in the present, not only on reputation. Gabon’s veterans carry the weight of missed time with clear purpose, Comoros lean on identity and boldness, and Burkina Faso’s tight circle reflects a trust that can grow into resolve.
AFCON 2025 in Morocco is gathering speed, and with every squad named and every plane landed, the tournament’s emotional geography shifts. Champions defend, challengers dream, and across camps from Casablanca to Agadir, belief is being built one session at a time.
