Late Drama, Stunning Strikes and Narrow Escapes Mark AFCON 2025 as Mali Draw Zambia, South Africa Edge Angola, Egypt Beat Zimbabwe

Author - CEDANEWS
December 23, 2025
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Omar Marmoush celebrate his Man Of Match Award

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is already living up to its reputation as one of football’s most thrilling tournaments. Set against the backdrop of Morocco’s modern stadiums and vibrant cities, AFCON 2025 has brought together the continent’s finest talents, passionate fans, and the kind of unpredictability that defines African football. With national pride on the line and every group finely balanced, each matchday feels like a final — and today’s three fixtures captured that spirit perfectly, delivering drama, shock results, and moments that will be remembered long after the final whistle.

🇲🇱 Mali 1–1 Zambia — A Rollercoaster in Casablanca
In the sweltering atmosphere of Casablanca’s Mohammed V Stadium, Mali and Zambia served up an emotional Group A opener that swung wildly before settling at a draw.
Mali seemed in control for much of the match. They forged ahead through Lassine Sinayoko’s well-taken goal in the 62nd minute, capitalising on a defensive slip from Zambia that opened the door. Mali’s dominance was clear: more possession, more pressure, and even a blocked first-half penalty that might have sealed the game early.

But Zambia refused to wilt. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Patson Daka — ever the late-game threat — rose highest to power home a dramatic 92nd-minute equaliser with a diving header that sent the Zambian bench and travelling fans into delirium.

There was almost a moment of after-match drama too, as Daka’s celebration went wrong — a misjudged acrobatic flip left him awkwardly landing on his neck, prompting gasps before relief as he seemed okay afterwards.

What this draw means: Mali retains control early in Group A, but Zambia’s grit earns them a point and sets up a tense rematch against Comoros later in the stage.

🇿🇦 South Africa 2–1 Angola — Foster’s Magic Seals Win
Over in Marrakech, South Africa edged Angola in a tightly contested Group B match that had moments of real quality and plenty of drama.
South Africa struck first — Oswin Appollis found the opener midway through the first half with a composed finish that rewarded a well-worked move and put the Bafana Bafana ahead. Angola weren’t out of it for long, however — a simply redirected free kick squirmed through and levelled the score before the break.

As the tempo rose in the second half, chances came and went for both sides. Then Lyle Foster, perhaps South Africa’s brightest attacking spark, produced the decisive moment — a spectacular curling strike from outside the box in the 79th minute that left Angola’s keeper rooted and the crowd roaring.
This was a statement victory for the South Africans — their first opening-match win at this stage in over two decades — and sets them up well in a tricky group that also features Egypt and Zimbabwe.
🇪🇬 Egypt vs Zimbabwe — Egypt’s Group B clash against Zimbabwe at the Stade Adrar in Agadir unfolded into one of the more dramatic openers of AFCON 2025. Zimbabwe shocked the seven-time champions early on when Prince Dube capitalised on a counter attack to put the Warriors ahead in the 20th minute. Egypt dominated possession and peppered the Zimbabwe goal with chances, but for large stretches they struggled to turn control into goals despite creating a host of openings. Omar Marmoush finally brought Egypt level just after the hour mark with a powerful strike that ignited hopes of a comfortable comeback.

Just when it looked like the match might finish all square, Mohamed Salah delivered the moment his team urgently needed. In the closing moments of added time the Liverpool captain reacted quickest to loose play inside the box and calmly finished to clinch a 2–1 victory for the Pharaohs. The goal not only secured valuable early points in a tough group but also lifted a weight off Egypt’s shoulders after a nervy night, underscoring Salah’s enduring importance to his national side.

🏆 What Today Tells Us About AFCON 2025
The tournament is already showing its trademark unpredictability: Mali controlled their game but dropped points, and Zambia’s never-say-die attitude was rewarded.
South Africa’s win shows they can mix flair with grit — Foster’s strike was a moment of real quality. 
Egypt vs Zimbabwe will wrap up Group B’s opening day and could shape the group’s early narrative.
All three matches mattered not just for points but momentum — and as fans settle in across Morocco and beyond, it’s clear this AFCON will be worth following every minute
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