AFCON 2025: Four nations arrive in Morocco still chasing their first-ever finals victory
Four nations will arrive at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco carrying an unwanted distinction: despite previous appearances at Africa’s flagship tournament, they have never won a single match at the finals.
As the competition kicks off in on Sunday, Mozambique, Benin, Tanzania and Botswana will be chasing history as much as results.
Their presence adds a quieter but compelling subplot to a tournament otherwise dominated by former champions and established heavyweights.
While the spotlight will fall on title contenders and star players, these four teams begin AFCON 2025 with a more fundamental ambition: to finally convert participation into victory on Africa’s biggest stage.
As hosts Morocco open the tournament against Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, for Mozambique, Benin, Tanzania and Botswana, AFCON 2025 represents more than another chapter — it is a chance to close long-running loops in their football histories.
Drawn into competitive groups and facing opponents with vastly deeper tournament pedigrees, each will attempt to turn years of near-misses, draws and defeats into a defining breakthrough.
At AFCON 2025, the four teams arrive in Morocco with a shared burden: none has ever won a match at the finals despite previous appearances and this competition offers not just qualification hopes, but the chance to rewrite history.
Mozambique: experience without reward
Mozambique’s presence at AFCON 2025 marks their sixth appearance at the tournament, yet their record remains stark. Across five previous editions, the Mambas have played 15 matches without a single win, collecting four draws and suffering 11 defeats.
Drawn into Group F alongside defending champions Cote d'Ivoire, five-time winners Cameroon and Gabon, Mozambique face one of the most demanding sections of the tournament.
Their challenge is clear: break a long-standing cycle against some of the continent’s most experienced sides, or risk extending one of AFCON’s most enduring winless records.
Benin: searching for a breakthrough
Benin’s AFCON journey has been defined by narrow margins and missed opportunities. In four previous appearances, the Guépards have played 14 matches, drawing five and losing nine.
Placed in Group D with reigning champions Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Botswana, Benin once again find themselves cast as underdogs.
However, the group also offers balance. Botswana share Benin’s winless status, while DR Congo remain unpredictable. For Benin, AFCON 2025 could finally provide the platform for a long-awaited first triumph.
Tanzania: lessons learned, challenge renewed
Tanzania return for their fourth AFCON appearance, having previously competed in three editions. Their record mirrors familiar frustration: nine matches played, three draws, six defeats.
The Taifa Stars have been drawn into Group C, where Nigeria and Tunisia provide elite opposition, alongside Uganda.
While the group is demanding, Tanzania will view their East African rivalry with Uganda as a realistic opportunity to finally convert experience into victory.
Botswana: still waiting for a first point
Botswana’s AFCON history is the briefest — and harshest — of the four. Their sole appearance came in 2012, where they played three matches and lost all three.
Now back on the continental stage, the Zebras return to Group D, sharing it with Benin, Senegal and DR Congo.
Expectations remain modest, but even a single victory would represent a milestone moment in Botswanan football history.
Beyond records and reputations
As AFCON 2025 kicks off at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, these four teams arrive carrying more than tactical plans. They carry history — and the possibility of changing it.
In a tournament where giants chase glory, AFCON has always reserved space for firsts.
For Mozambique, Benin, Tanzania and Botswana, the coming weeks offer a simple but powerful ambition: to finally turn participation into victory, and ensure that AFCON 2025 is remembered not for what was missing, but for what was achieved.