AFCON 2025 has begun. What to expect, and how to watch the matches?

The journey to the 2025 TotalEnergies AFCON tournament in Morocco officially kicked off on Wednesday 4th September, with the first round of qualifiers unfolding across the continent.The qualifiers will see 48 teams battle it out for a spot in the 35th iteration of the prestigious football tournament and there will be plenty of captivating encounters to watch.With excitement already mounting, here is how you can watch the matches and what you can expect from this premier continental tournament.How to watch the Africa Cup of Nations matchesSelect AFCON qualifying games for the 2025 AFCON tournament will be televised on beIN Sports in Canada and the United States. AFCON fans can also stream the matches on Fubo USA, Fanatiz, Fubo Canada, and beIN Sports Connect.What to expect from the 2025 AFCON qualifiersGhana's battle for redemptionThe Ghana Black Stars are hoping to revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON tournament, after losing to Angola 1-0 in their opening match. Ghana mounted a disappointing campaign during the last AFCON tournament, exiting in the group stage.On the other hand, recorded an incredible run to reach the semi-finals, where they lost to Nigeria. However, Angolans have lifted the COSAFA Cup and they intend to build on this success to mount an impressive 2025 AFCON Campaign.Coach Otto Addo's sides hope to revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON tournament and seek revenge on the Angolans after beating them 1-0 in Kumasi. The Black Stars are ranking second from the bottom of Group F after their loss and are hoping to redeem themselves with a win on Berkane on Monday, 9th September. That will help them to mount pressure on the Black Sable Antelopes and Sudan.Defending champions Ivory Coast to mount a strong campaignThe defending champions Ivory Coast are expected to dominate Group G in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after starting strong against Zambia with a 2-0 victory. Ivory Coast are expected to continue their dominance in their second game against C had, who recorded a draw in their opening game.Heading into this fixture, Ivory Coast is the outright favorite considering that Chad recorded a disappointing campaign in the 2023 AFCON tournament. Chad will have a hard time holding off the defending champions, and you can expect Ivory Coast to record their second win before meeting Sierra Leone on 7th October.Nigeria re-ignites their regional rivalry against BeninThe stakes are always high when Nigeria and Benin are battling it out and the results are usually unpredictable. This regional rivalry between these neighbors runs deep and their second game in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers isn't any different.Nigeria managed to clinch their first victory against Benin in their first fixture in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and hopes to build on this victory to mount another impressive run. However, Benin hopes to seek revenge on Matchday five in their return fixture on 11th November.Source: Ghana News Agency