Ivory Coast has won the tournament three times, most recently as hosts in 2023.
Note: Algeria qualified by drawing of lots.
Guinea and Mali finished level on the second spot after the group stage, making the first drawing of lots needed at the tournament since 1988.
Unlike some other international tournaments, 2015 Africa Cup of Nations tournament regulations would not use fair-play criteria or a penalty shoot-out after the teams met on the last match day to determine the final group ranking.
Both head coaches have openly criticised the regulations.