The final Group G matches of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers concluded on Tuesday, with Zambia finishing as group leaders and Côte d’Ivoire showcasing their dominance in a commanding 4-0 victory over Chad in Abidjan.
Heading into the final round, both Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire had already secured qualification for the AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
However, the fight for the top spot in the group added an edge to the closing fixtures.
Zambia sealed first place in the group with a 2-0 win over Sierra Leone at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
Second-half goals from Emmanuel Banda and Kennedy Musonda ensured Zambia’s strong finish, leaving them with 13 points from six games.
The Elephants, despite their resounding victory, finished second with 12 points.
Sierra Leone failed to capitalize on their chances and ended third with five points.
Chad rounded off the standings with three points, managing only three draws in six games.
In Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire delivered a commanding performance against Chad.
Goals from Vakoun Bayo, Simon Adingra, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Oumar Diakité highlighted the Elephants’ superior quality.
Despite the win, their two losses earlier in the campaign proved costly in their bid to top the group.
Zambia’s consistency throughout the qualifiers, including four wins and just one loss, was the key to their group-topping finish.
They will head to Morocco brimming with confidence, while Côte d’Ivoire will look to build on their attacking depth showcased in their latest fixture.
With Group G concluded, attention now turns to the December 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where both teams will look to make deep runs in the tournament.
Final Group G Standings:
- Zambia: 6 matches, 4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, 13 points
- Côte d’Ivoire: 6 matches, 4 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses, 12 points
- Sierra Leone: 6 matches, 1 win, 2 draws, 3 losses, 5 points
- Chad: 6 matches, 0 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses, 3 points
