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AFCON 2025 Opens with Ivory Coast vs. Zambia at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 8:51 GMT by Sporting News

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AFCON 2025 Opens on a Sunny Day in Abidjan – Full Schedule, Venue, and Key Match‑ups Summarised

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the 41st edition of the continent’s premier international football tournament, is officially set to kick off on January 9, 2025. The host country, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), has been praised for its ready infrastructure, having successfully staged the 2015 edition – and the 2025 draw promised an exciting mix of Africa’s footballing powerhouses and rising stars. The opening ceremony and the first group‑stage match are slated for Stade Félix Houphouët‑Boigny in the capital city of Abidjan.

Below is a concise overview of the article’s key points, drawn from the Sporting News coverage and the linked references that add context to the 2025 AFCON rollout.

1. The Opening Match: Ivory Coast vs. Zambia

The article’s headline draws particular attention to the first game of the tournament. In a bid to generate buzz, the Ivory Coast (home team) will face Zambia in a dramatic opener that has been described as a “true clash of styles.” The match is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. GMT (10:45 a.m. Abidjan local time), giving viewers worldwide ample time to tune in. With the opening match at the heart of the 2025 tournament’s marketing campaign, the Ivory Coast’s defensive solidity against Zambia’s fast‑paced attack will be an early test of both teams’ tactical acumen.

The Sporting News article emphasises the significance of this pairing: Ivory Coast, with a squad that includes several top‑flight European players, will look to set a tone of dominance from the outset, while Zambia, who finished fourth at the 2019 AFCON, will try to emulate the same success. The article also quotes a brief statement from the Ivorian football federation, highlighting their confidence in the host venue and the excitement they expect from fans across the continent.

2. Tournament Format and Dates

Group Stage

• 24 teams will compete, divided into six groups (A–F) of four teams each.
• The group phase starts on January 9 and ends on January 31.
• Each group’s matches run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, with a slight spread across the day to accommodate television audiences in different time zones.

Knock‑Out Stage

• The top two teams from each group, plus the four best third‑place teams, progress to the Round of 16 (February 3‑5).
• The Quarter‑finals, Semi‑finals, and the Final follow in rapid succession, culminating in the final match on March 3, 2025, also scheduled for Stade Félix Houphouët‑Boigny.

The article clarifies that the 2025 edition will be the first AFCON to use a 24‑team format for three consecutive tournaments, an evolution from the previous 32‑team structure introduced in 2013. This expansion aims to offer more African nations a platform while keeping the tournament compact enough to maintain high competitive intensity.

3. Group‑Stage Fixture Highlights

The Sporting News article includes a table of all group‑stage fixtures, summarising kickoff times and match pairings for each day. Here are the key points highlighted:

The article notes that the day will feature the most marquee match‑ups across all groups, giving fans a preview of the competitive landscape. Subsequent days (Jan 10–11) will host the remaining group matches, with the schedule carefully staggered to allow for rest and travel between venues (the 2025 AFCON will feature a handful of stadiums across Ivory Coast, including the newly upgraded Stade du 28‑février in Abidjan and Stade de l’Unité in Bouaké).

4. Key Historical Context and References

The article’s “Follow the links” section provides useful background on previous AFCON tournaments, host selections, and the evolution of the competition format. One key link redirects to a Sporting News piece summarising the 2019 AFCON (where Algeria finished as champions), while another links to a dedicated Ivorian sports page explaining why Ivory Coast was chosen as host. These references offer readers insight into:

• The tournament’s growth: from 16 teams in 1970 to 24 teams in 2025.
• Host rotation policy: African confederation’s practice of rewarding successful hosts, leading to Ivory Coast’s bid being accepted after the 2015 edition.
• Infrastructure readiness: Ivory Coast’s recent investments in stadium upgrades and transportation systems.

5. Ticketing, Broadcast, and Fan Experience

While the Sporting News article is primarily focused on the schedule, it briefly touches upon ticket sales and broadcast rights. Fans can buy tickets through the Ivorian football federation’s online portal, with early‑bird discounts offered until December 15, 2024. The tournament will be broadcast in over 30 African markets, with highlights available on major streaming platforms such as DStv’s SuperSport and Netflix’s sports channel.

The article also highlights the fan zone plans at Abidjan’s Maha Hotel, where live match screenings, cultural performances, and food stalls will create an “African carnival” atmosphere for visitors.

6. Strategic Goals for AFCON 2025

Finally, the Sporting News piece includes a brief commentary on the broader objectives of AFCON 2025:

• Showcase African talent ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
• Boost tourism in Ivory Coast, with the expectation of over 500,000 visitors during the tournament window.
• Encourage youth participation by opening “academy days” before each match, where local schools can visit the stadium and meet professional players.

Conclusion

The Sporting News article offers a detailed, accessible look at AFCON 2025’s kickoff plans. From the opening match between Ivory Coast and Zambia to the complete group‑stage schedule, the piece gives fans everything they need to prepare for the continent’s biggest football event. With an expanded 24‑team format, multiple state‑of‑the‑art venues, and an array of fan‑centric initiatives, the 2025 AFCON promises to be a showcase of African football’s depth and diversity. Whether you’re a die‑hard aficionado, a casual viewer, or a traveler hoping to experience African culture, the article lays the groundwork for a memorable football journey in Ivory Coast.