Stoppage-Time Miracles And Captain’s Brilliance Light Up AFCON Morocco 2025 On December 24

Author - CEDANEWS
December 24, 2025
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Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso & Algeria Won First Group Matches

The Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco hit another emotional peak on December 24, 2025, as four gripping matches unfolded across Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech and Agadir. From last-minute heartbreaks to captain-led masterclasses, the day captured the full spirit of African football — passion in the stands, tension on the pitch and moments of brilliance that changed games in seconds. With every team desperate to lay down a marker in the group stage, Matchday action once again reminded fans that at AFCON, no lead is ever safe and no victory ever comes easy.

🇧🇫 Burkina Faso 2–1 Equatorial Guinea
📍 Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
In what quickly became one of the most dramatic contests of the group stage so far, Burkina Faso came from behind to beat Equatorial Guinea 2–1. The visitors stunned the Casablanca crowd when Marvin Anieboh headed home late in the 85th minute to put the Nzalang Nacional ahead. It looked as though they might cling on for a shock win.

But the Stallions refused to roll over. Deep into stoppage time, Issa Minoungou struck in the 90+5th minute to level it and set off wild celebrations. Just three minutes later, Roger Tapsoba rose highest to power home a dramatic winner in the 90+8th minute, snatching victory at the death.

Goal Scorers:
Marvin Anieboh (85’) — Equatorial Guinea
Issa Minoungou (90+5’) — Burkina Faso
Roger Tapsoba (90+8’) — Burkina Faso
Man of the Match: Roger Tapsoba — his late winner capped a stunning comeback and gave Burkina Faso a priceless three points.
🇩🇿 Algeria 3–0 Sudan
📍 Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat
Algeria’s Group E campaign got off to a flying start with a convincing 3–0 win over Sudan in Rabat. Captain Riyad Mahrez was at the heart of everything, scoring early and often. He opened the scoring after barely 90 seconds with a precise finish that set the tone for the day, then doubled the lead midway through the second half with a classy strike.

Sudan’s task was made harder when one of their defenders was sent off early in the second half, and Algeria fully capitalised. Ibrahim Maza capped the scoring late on in the 85th minute, sliding his shot home after good build-up play to put the hosts firmly in front in Group E.

Goal Scorers: Riyad Mahrez (2’, 61’) and Ibrahim Maza (85’)
Man of the Match: Riyad Mahrez — two goals and dangerous throughout, Mahrez was unplayable at times and led his side with poise.

🇨🇮 Ivory Coast 1–0 Mozambique
📍 Grand Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
Defending champions Ivory Coast began their title defence with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mozambique. The deadlock was broken early in the second half when Amad Diallo showed great composure to slot home in the 49th minute after riding a defender and meeting a perfect assist inside the box.

The Elephants controlled much of the game thereafter, with Franck Kessié and Wilfried Zaha consistently probing Mozambique’s defence, but the sole goal was enough to secure the three points in a performance that mixed patience with attacking intent.

Goal Scorer: Amad Diallo (49’)
Man of the Match: Amad Diallo — decisive on the night, Diallo’s strike was the difference and epitomised his calm under pressure.

🇨🇲 Cameroon 1–0 Gabon
📍 Adrar Stadium, Agadir
The final match of the day saw Cameroon secure a narrow but historic 1–0 win over Gabon. The Lions struck early, with Karl Etta Eyong pouncing in the 6th minute on a defensive slip to fire past the Gabon keeper — a goal that would prove decisive.
Despite Gabon’s efforts to respond — including introducing experienced figures like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — Cameroon stood firm, defended intelligently and saw out the result, earning a crucial first-day victory in Group F alongside Ivory Coast.

Goal Scorer: Karl Etta Eyong (6’)
Man of the Match: Bryan Mbeumo — while Eyong scored the goal, it was Bmeumo’s creativity and tireless work in the final third that kept Cameroon dangerous throughout.

Today’s slate of matches delivered exactly what AFCON fans crave — late drama in Casablanca, veteran brilliance in Rabat, a measured title-defence opener in Marrakech and a historic derby win in Agadir. From stoppage-time turnarounds to captain’s performances, these results already hint at the depth and unpredictability of AFCON Morocco 2025.
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