AFCON 2025: Hosts Flex, Giants Grind, Drama Everywhere
Morocco, Mali, Egypt and South Africa booked progress on a dramatic night as AFCON 2025’s group stage edged closer to its decisive phase.
Morocco 3–0 Zambia: Atlas Lions roar to group summit
Morocco delivered when it mattered most, sweeping aside Zambia 3–0 to seal top spot in Group A and send a clear message to the rest of the tournament.
Ayoub El Kaabi led the charge with a ruthless brace, opening the scoring early before sealing the night with a stunning bicycle kick confirmed by VAR. Brahim Diaz added the second after slick build-up play orchestrated by a superb Azzedine Ounahi.
Walid Regragui’s men finished with seven points, unbeaten and confident, as the hosts stayed in Rabat for the knockouts — exactly as planned.
Mali 0–0 Comoros: Eagles scrape through
Mali did just enough. A tense, goalless draw against a stubborn Comoros side was enough to send the Eagles into the Round of 16 as Group A runners-up.
Creativity was limited, chances were scarce, and a late red card for Amadou Haidara threatened late drama. Mali held firm, while Comoros exited with pride but insufficient points.
Angola 0–0 Egypt: Palancas impress, Pharaohs survive
Angola were the better side, Egypt the more resilient.
The Palancas Negras dominated large spells, hit the woodwork and forced fine saves, but failed to find the decisive goal. Egypt, rotated and conservative, absorbed pressure and secured the point they needed through discipline rather than flair.
Fredy’s emotional Man of the Match performance capped his final international appearance, though Angola were left wondering what might have been.
South Africa 3–2 Zimbabwe: Bafana edge a thriller
South Africa booked their place in the knockouts after surviving a fierce Zimbabwean fightback in one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches.
Goals from Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis (penalty) proved just enough as Zimbabwe pushed Bafana to the limit. Tawanda Maswanhise starred for the Warriors, who struck twice and came within inches of forcing a draw.
South Africa finished second in Group B with six points, while Zimbabwe bowed out despite a brave showing.
AFCON 2025 continues to deliver: dominant hosts, fine margins, late drama and no room for error as the knockout picture begins to take shape.
