The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations produced a high-stakes Boxing Day as Mohamed Salah propelled Egypt into the round of 16 with a clinical penalty against South Africa. Despite playing the entire second half with ten men following Mohamed Hany’s red card, the Pharaohs maintained their 1-0 lead to secure the top spot in Group B.
In the same group, Angola and Zimbabwe battled to a 1-1 stalemate, leaving both sides at the bottom of the table with a single point each as they head into the final matchday.
Host nation Morocco faced a resilient Mali side in Group A, resulting in a 1-1 draw after Brahim Díaz and Lassine Sinayoko both converted from the penalty spot. The result keeps the Atlas Lions at the summit of the standings with four points, while Mali remains in second place.
Meanwhile, Zambia and Comoros played out a tactical 0-0 draw, a result that leaves both nations struggling in the third and fourth positions respectively.
The continental excitement intensifies today, Saturday, December 27, with four pivotal matchups on the schedule. Benin Republic kicks off the afternoon session against Botswana, seeking their first points of the campaign. The evening schedule features a heavyweight duel between Senegal and DR Congo, alongside an East African derby as Uganda takes on Tanzania.
Both the Cranes and the Taifa Stars view this fixture as a must-win to keep their tournament dreams alive following opening-day defeats.
The Saturday night centerpiece features a massive Group C collision between Nigeria and Tunisia at the Fez Stadium. Both the Super Eagles and the Carthage Eagles began their campaigns with victories, meaning the winner of this encounter will likely clinch an early ticket to the knockout phase. Head coach Éric Chelle expects a high-intensity battle in Fès as the Super Eagles aim to leapfrog Tunisia and seize total control of the group standings.
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