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| Afcon Morocco 2025 |
Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 served up another full slate of Group-stage fixtures that blended tension, quality and narrative twists. From Rabat to Marrakech and Agadir, teams battled for momentum, points and, in some cases, survival in their quest to reach the knockout rounds. Here’s a detailed round-up of the day’s football, including venues, scorers and standout performers.
🇲🇦 Morocco 1–1 Mali
The host nation could not find a way past Mali in a dramatic Group A clash that ended 1–1 and saw Morocco’s long unbeaten run come to an end. After a cagey opening, Morocco were awarded a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time following a VAR review — and Brahim Díaz calmly converted from the spot in the 45+5th minute to give the hosts the lead. But Mali showed resilience in the second half, and their persistence paid off when Lassine Sinayoko also scored from the penalty spot in the 64th minute after a foul in the box brought the sides level. Both teams had chances late on, but neither could find a winner.
Goal Scorers:
Morocco: Brahim Díaz (45+5′ pen)
Mali: Lassine Sinayoko (64′ pen)
Man of the Match: Brahim Díaz – The Moroccan captain was a constant attacking spark and his composed penalty highlighted his leadership on a big night in Rabat.
🇪🇬 Egypt 1–0 South Africa
In Group B, Egypt secured a crucial 1–0 win over South Africa, booking their place in the Round of 16. The Pharaohs, reduced to ten men after an early red card to Mohamed Hany, showed grit and discipline to see out the result. Their captain Mohamed Salah stepped up in the first half, calmly converting a penalty in the 45th minute — a strike that proved decisive. Egypt’s defence held firm for the remainder of the contest, earning a hard-fought but vital victory that keeps them firmly on track for the knockout stages.
Goal Scorer:
Egypt: Mohamed Salah (45′ pen)
Man of the Match: Mohamed Salah – Showed leadership and composure under pressure, his penalty proving the difference in a tight contest.
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In another Group B thriller, Angola and Zimbabwe shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw. Angola struck first through Gelson Dala in the 24th minute, finishing a neat attacking move to put the Palancas Negras ahead. Zimbabwe, though, refused to be discouraged; veteran forward Knowledge Musona pounced in first-half stoppage time (45+6′) to bring his side level, tapping in at the back post and swinging momentum back in his team’s favour. Despite chances for both thereafter, the game finished honours even — a result that keeps both sides in the hunt but leaves their qualification hopes finely balanced.
Goal Scorers:
Angola: Gelson Dala (24′)
Zimbabwe: Knowledge Musona (45+6′)
Man of the Match: Knowledge Musona – His equaliser and enterprising play gave Zimbabwe a vital point in a keenly contested Group B battle.
In a stalemate that reflected the balance between these Group A rivals, Zambia and Comoros played out a goalless draw. Neither side could find a breakthrough in a tense encounter that saw chances at either end but ultimately no goals. Zambia pressed hard to move themselves into a stronger position in Group A, while Comoros defended doggedly to earn a valuable point. Both teams will now look to their final group fixtures with plenty still to play for.
Man of the Match: Willard Mwanza (Zambia) – Key in midfield for Zambia with intelligent distribution and defensive effort in a match where chances were precious.
Boxing Day in Morocco delivered compact battles and vital moments that could shape the final group standings. Hosts Morocco were held to a draw despite dominating much of their game, Egypt continued their charge to the knockouts with a disciplined effort, and both Angola and Zimbabwe showed they won’t surrender easily. Meanwhile, Zambia and Comoros cancelled each other out in a match where chances were at a premium.
AFCON Morocco 2025 remains tightly contested — and with every point carrying weight, the run-in to the last 16 promises even more drama and intensity.
