The drama continued in Morocco as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations entered its second day. With the heavyweights of African football entering the fray, fans were treated to late winners, stunning goals, and plenty of passion on the pitch. Here is the full recap of the action from 22 December 2025.
Salah Rescue Act for Egypt
The most anticipated match of the day saw record-holders Egypt survive a massive scare against Zimbabwe, eventually winning 2-1. The Warriors of Zimbabwe stunned the crowd by taking an early lead through Prince Dube in the 20th minute, leaving the Pharaohs rattled at halftime.
However, Egypt fought back in the second half. Omar Marmoush equalized just after the hour mark to calm the nerves. Just as the game looked destined for a draw, captain Mohamed Salah stepped up in stoppage time (90+1′), firing home a dramatic winner to secure all three points for his nation.
South Africa Starts Strong
South Africa (Bafana Bafana) got their campaign off to a winning start with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola. Hugo Broos’s men looked sharp early on, taking the lead through Oswin Appollis in the 21st minute.
Angola responded quickly, with Show leveling the score just 14 minutes later. But the moment of the match came late in the second half when striker Lyle Foster produced a brilliant finish in the 79th minute to restore South Africa’s lead and seal a crucial opening win in Group B.
Late Drama for Chipolopolo
In the early kick-off, Mali and Zambia played out a tense 1-1 draw in Casablanca. Mali dominated large parts of the game and deservedly took the lead through Lassine Sinayoko in the second half.
It looked like the Eagles would fly away with the win, but Zambia refused to give up. In the dying moments of the game (90+2′), Patson Daka produced a spectacular diving header from a Mathews Banda cross to snatch a point for Chipolopolo from the jaws of defeat.
Summary of Results (Monday, 22 Dec 2025)
Mali 1 – 1 Zambia
-
Goals: Lassine Sinayoko (61′) — Patson Daka (90+2′)
-
Assists: (Unassisted) — Mathews Banda
South Africa 2 – 1 Angola
-
Goals: Oswin Appollis (21′), Lyle Foster (79′) — Show (35′)
Egypt 2 – 1 Zimbabwe
-
Goals: Omar Marmoush (64′), Mohamed Salah (90+1′) — Prince Dube (20′)
The action continues today as heavyweights Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia prepare to take the field.