Teams use FIFA Window to prepare for AFCON 2025

With the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 just a month away, participating teams are making full use of the November FIFA international window to fine-tune their squads.

While the only competitive action on the continent comes from the World Cup playoffs in Morocco—featuring Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria, other AFCON finalists are busy with high-profile friendlies and tactical drills to sharpen their game plans.

Algeria: Saudi Arabian tests

The Fennecs have lined up two matches in Saudi Arabia, starting with a clash against Zimbabwe in Jeddah on 13 November, followed by a meeting with the host nation on 18 November at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City. These fixtures will allow coach Djamel Belmadi to assess his attacking depth and defensive organisation.

Angola: Facing Messi to Celebrate 50 Years

Angola is marking 50 years of independence with a blockbuster friendly against World Champions Argentina in Luanda on 14 November, where Lionel Messi is expected to feature. Four days later, they face Guinea-Bissau in a Lusophone derby, giving coach Pedro Gonçalves a chance to rotate his squad and sharpen attacking options.

Benin: Single Fixture in Casablanca

After their World Cup disappointment, Benin will play a single friendly against Burkina Faso on 18 November in Casablanca, focusing on rebuilding confidence and tactical discipline.

Botswana: Rest Before December Camp

The Botswana Football Association has opted to rest players during this window, prioritizing recovery ahead of an intensive training camp in December.

Burkina Faso: Double Date in Morocco

Les Étalons will play two matches in Casablanca—against Niger on 14 November and Benin on 18 November—to refine their midfield structure and attacking transitions.

Comoros: Home Advantage

The island nation will host Namibia for two matches in Moroni on 14 and 17 November, their first home games since a famous win over Ghana in 2023 World Cup qualifiers.

Ivory Coast: Champions on Tour

The reigning African champions will face Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on 14 November, a reunion with former coach Hervé Renard, before traveling to Muscat to play Oman on 18 November.

Egypt: Tactical Tournament in UAE

Under Hossam Hassan, Egypt will compete in a four-team tournament in the UAE, starting against Uzbekistan on 14 November, then facing the winner of Cape Verde v Iran four days later. Hassan aims to test formations and integrate emerging talent alongside stars like Mohamed Salah.

Equatorial Guinea: Turkish Tune-Up

Nzalang Nacional head to Antalya, Turkey, for friendlies against Kenya on 14 November and Madagascar on 17 November, focusing on defensive solidity.

Mali: Single test Against Jordan

Mali will play Jordan on 18 November in Tunis, a deliberate choice as coach Tom Saintfiet sees similarities between Jordan’s style and Morocco, their Group A opponent.

Morocco: Hosts Stay Busy

The hosts will play Mozambique on 14 November in Tangier and Uganda on 18 November at the same venue, aiming to extend their world-record winning streak.

Mozambique: Moroccan Conditions

Mozambique will face Morocco in Tangier before meeting Chad on 17 November in Berrechid, giving them early exposure to tournament conditions.

Senegal: Prestige Clash in London

Senegal will face Brazil on 15 November at Emirates Stadium in London, then travel to Turkey to play Kenya on 18 November, testing their squad against contrasting styles.

Sudan: Oman Warm-Up

Sudan will play a single friendly against Oman on 14 November, focusing on defensive organisation.

South Africa: Broos Keeps It Light

Coach Hugo Broos has opted for a single warm-up against Zambia in Gqeberha on 15 November, prioritizing player recovery over additional fixtures due to heavy domestic and continental commitments.

Tanzania: New Era Under Gamondi

The Taifa Stars begin life under Argentine coach Miguel Gamondi with a friendly against Kuwait in Cairo on 15 November, aiming to implement a new tactical identity.

Tunisia: Busy Schedule

Tunisia will play Mauritania on 12 November, Jordan on 14 November, and then fly to France to meet Brazil on 18 November in Lille, testing their squad against diverse opposition.

Uganda: Moroccan Challenge

Uganda will face Chad on 14 November and then Morocco on 18 November, giving them a taste of tournament conditions.

Zambia: Sichone’s First test

New coach Moses Sichone begins his tenure against South Africa on 15 November in Gqeberha, followed by a trip to Burundi on 18 November.

Zimbabwe: Warriors Under Marinica

Zimbabwe’s new coach Mario Marinica faces a tough start with games against Algeria in Jeddah on 13 November and Qatar four days later, providing a stern test before their AFCON Group B battles.