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| Senegal Cruise, Nigeria Respond, Tunisia Dominate as DR Congo Grind Out AFCON Wins |
Tuesday's action across Morocco served up a fantastic mix of competitive football, contrasting styles and standout individual performances as Group C and D got fully under way. From Rabat to Tangier and Fez, fans were treated to goals, momentum shifts and a genuine feel of tournament intensity.
📍 Stade El Barid, Rabat
In the early kick-off, DR Congo edged Benin 1–0 in a tight Group D battle. The crucial moment came in the 17th minute when Théo Bongonda reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and fired past the Benin keeper to give the Leopards the lead. Though chances were limited thereafter, DR Congo defended solidly to protect their advantage, showing discipline and organisation in the midfield and defence.
Goal Scorer: Théo Bongonda (17’)
Man of the Match: Théo Bongonda — decisive and energetic on the ball, his early strike proved the difference.
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇨🇩 1-0 🇧🇯
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 23, 2025
DR Congo kick off their #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 campaign with a win! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/edvAN1hNM4
📍 Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier
Senegal produced one of the standout performances of the tournament so far with a convincing 3–0 victory over Botswana. The Teranga Lions took time to assert control but grew into a dominant evening. Nicolas Jackson broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, converting a low cross with a crisp finish. He doubled his tally in the 58th minute with a composed effort after good build-up play. Senegal wrapped it up in stoppage time when substitute Cherif Ndiaye tucked home in the 90th minute, sealing a really confident display.
Goal Scorers: Nicolas Jackson (40’, 58’), Cherif Ndiaye (90’)
Man of the Match: Nicolas Jackson — his clinical double and overall influence kept Botswana on the back foot all afternoon.
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇸🇳 3-0 🇧🇼
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 23, 2025
Senegal entertain in their #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 opener, winning three goals to none. ⚽ pic.twitter.com/PqYUdSbkYh
ALSO IN MUSIC;Wodaso (You Remain) By Jacquelyn Oforiwaa Amanfo (JOA)
📍 Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès
In Fez, Nigeria bounced back from a brief scare to defeat Tanzania 2–1. The Super Eagles took the lead in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest from a set-piece to head home. Tanzania struck back early in the second half through Charles M’Mombwa in the 50th minute, giving the underdogs a lifeline. Nigeria responded swiftly: just two minutes later, Ademola Lookman unleashed a brilliant long-range drive in the 52nd minute that arrowed into the top corner to restore the lead and ultimately settle the contest.
Goal Scorers: Semi Ajayi (36’), Charles M’Mombwa (50’), Ademola Lookman (52’)
Man of the Match: Ademola Lookman — his stunning strike turned the tide and his all-round threat kept Tanzania wary.
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇳🇬 2-1 🇹🇿
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 23, 2025
A back-and-forth match ends with a win for Nigeria in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. pic.twitter.com/ILMVLnhMoG
📍 Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium, Rabat
In the final match of the day, Tunisia delivered a strong opening statement, easing to a 3–1 Group C victory over Uganda. The Carthage Eagles started fast and clinical on a rainy night in Rabat.
10th minute: Ellyes Skhiri opened the scoring with a well-timed header from a corner, giving Tunisia an early edge.
40th minute: Elias Achouri doubled the lead just before halftime with a composed finish from inside the box.
64th minute: Achouri grabbed his second — and Tunisia’s third — capitalising on a loose ball to extend the lead further.
90+2’ minute: Uganda’s Denis Omedi netted a late consolation, but it was too little, too late.
Tunisia now sit atop Group C on goal difference, buoyed by a confident and composed performance.
Goal Scorers: Ellyes Skhiri (10’), Elias Achouri (40’, 64’) and Denis Omedi (90+2’)
Man of the Match: Elias Achouri — his brace and constant attacking threat made the difference for Tunisia
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇹🇳 3-1 🇺🇬
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 24, 2025
Tunisia with a brilliant opener. A dominant win over Uganda in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. pic.twitter.com/UKzIBYJC6a
Across four matches, fans saw strong starts from traditional powers and promising moments from ambitious challengers. DR Congo’s grit, Senegal’s attacking flair, Nigeria’s resilience and Tunisia’s clinical finishing set the tone for a highly competitive group stage.
AFCON Morocco 2025 continues to deliver — and with many twists surely still to come, the journey for every team is only just beginning
