AFCON 2025: Salah Strike Saves Egypt, Foster Fires Bafana To Win As Zambia Fight For Draw
Day two of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 delivered drama, late twists and early statements across the groups, with Egypt, South Africa, Mali and Zambia all grabbing headlines for contrasting reasons.
Salah spares Egypt blushes against Zimbabwe
Mohamed Salah needed stoppage time to rescue Egypt from a potentially damaging start, scoring the winner in a tense 2–1 victory over Zimbabwe in Group B.
Despite dominating possession, the seven-time champions were stunned in the 20th minute when Prince Dube finished clinically after a swift Zimbabwe counter. Egypt turned up the pressure after the break and finally found parity through Omar Marmoush on 63 minutes before Salah’s late moment of quality decided the contest.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan admitted his side struggled for focus early on, while Zimbabwe’s Mario Marinica praised his team’s discipline but conceded Egyptian quality proved decisive.
Bafana Bafana edge Angola to seize Group B initiative
South Africa made a winning start in Marrakech, defeating Angola 2–1 in an open and physical Group B clash.
Oswin Appollis gave Bafana Bafana an early lead before Angola hit back through Show, capitalising on a set-piece lapse. Hugo Broos’ substitutions shifted the momentum after the break, and Lyle Foster delivered the decisive moment with a superb curling finish in the 79th minute.
Broos later criticised his side’s mid-game drop in intensity but welcomed the three points, while Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle pointed to costly errors as the difference.
Daka denies Mali in Casablanca
In Group A, Patson Daka struck deep into stoppage time to earn Zambia a 1–1 draw against Mali, denying the Eagles what looked like a deserved victory.
Mali controlled long spells and finally broke through via Lassine Sinayoko just after the hour mark, but missed chances — including a saved penalty — left the door open. Zambia stayed alive and were rewarded when Daka rose to head home at the death.
A frustrated Tom Saintfiet called the draw “painful”, while Zambia coach Moses Sichone praised his players’ refusal to surrender.
The picture so far
- Egypt and South Africa collect crucial early wins in Group B
- Zimbabwe and Angola left chasing recovery results
- Mali drop points late despite dominance
- Zambia show resilience and belief under pressure
AFCON 2025 is already living up to its reputation: margins are thin, favourites are tested, and no lead is safe until the final whistle.
