Serge Aurier eyes tough Group F challenge as Cote d'Ivoire defends title

Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire will face a tough test in Group F of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, drawn alongside five-time winners Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique.

Speaking after the draw held in Rabat on Monday night, Ivorian captain Serge Aurier acknowledged the challenge but exuded confidence in his team’s ability to progress.

“Of course, it’s difficult. Matches between Cameroon and Cote d'Ivoire are always intense,” Aurier said. 

“But we cannot overlook Gabon and Mozambique. African football has progressed significantly, and every team poses a challenge.”

Côte d’Ivoire, fresh from their triumphant home-soil campaign in 2023, aim to replicate their success in Morocco.

Aurier emphasized the importance of advancing beyond the group stage, citing the team’s proven ability to excel in knockout rounds.

“We hope to get out of this group. We know our strength once we progress, as we showed at the last AFCON. We are clear on what we need to do to go all the way,” he added.

Aurier called on Ivorian fans to support the team as they aim for back-to-back titles.

“We know what it means to represent Côte d’Ivoire. Our supporters drive us forward, and we’ll give everything to make them proud,” he said.

The Elephants will open their title defence against Mozambique in Marrakech, a fixture that Aurier believes will set the tone for their campaign.

Group F has been dubbed the "Group of Death" due to the high-profile clash between Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon.

The two giants share a storied history in the tournament, and their latest encounter promises to deliver fireworks.

Cameroon, led by Belgian coach Marc Brys, boast a mix of experienced stars and rising talents.

Gabon, featuring Premier League standout Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and a determined Mozambique side complete a challenging group.

The 2025 tournament, set to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will take place across six Moroccan cities.

Hosts Morocco headline Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros, while Group B rekindles the rivalry between Egypt and South Africa, joined by Angola and Zimbabwe.

Other groups feature heavyweight matchups, with Senegal drawn in Group D alongside DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana.

Algeria, seeking redemption after two poor campaigns, leads Group E with Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.