The action heated up in Morocco on Matchday 2 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Yesterday’s fixtures saw the qualification picture begin to take shape in Groups A and B, with a heavyweight clash in Agadir and a tense night for the host nation.
Salah Edges It for Egypt
In the most anticipated match of the day, Egypt secured a narrow 1-0 victory over South Africa in Group B. It was a tight, tactical battle between two of the continent’s giants. The deciding moment came right on the stroke of halftime when the Pharaohs were awarded a penalty.
Captain Mohamed Salah stepped up and coolly converted from the spot (45′) to give his side the lead. South Africa pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half but couldn’t break down the stubborn Egyptian defence. The win puts Egypt firmly in control of the group.
Hosts Morocco Frustrated by Mali
Host nation Morocco dropped points for the first time, playing out a gritty 1-1 draw with Mali in Rabat. The Atlas Lions took the lead just before the break thanks to a Brahim Diaz penalty in stoppage time.
However, Mali refused to roll over. They fought back in the second half and earned a penalty of their own, which Lassine Sinayoko smashed home in the 64th minute to silence the home crowd. Both teams remain unbeaten in Group A.
Stalemate for Zambia and Comoros
Earlier in the day, Zambia and Comoros played out a goalless 0-0 draw. It was a frustrating afternoon for Chipolopolo, who dominated possession but couldn’t find a way past the organized Comoros defence. The result leaves both teams with work to do in their final group games to reach the knockout stages.
Angola and Zimbabwe Share the Spoils
The opening game of the day was an entertaining 1-1 draw between Angola and Zimbabwe. Angola struck first through Gelson Dala in the 24th minute, looking dangerous on the counter-attack.
But the Warriors of Zimbabwe showed great spirit, grabbing a dramatic equaliser deep into first-half stoppage time through Knowledge Musona (45+6′). Neither side could find a winner in the second half, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Summary of Results (Friday, 26 Dec 2025)
Angola 1 – 1 Zimbabwe
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Goals: Gelson Dala (24′) — Knowledge Musona (45+6′)
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Assists: Fredy — Marshall Munetsi
Egypt 1 – 0 South Africa
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Goals: Mohamed Salah (45′ pen)
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Assists: None (Penalty)
Zambia 0 – 0 Comoros
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Goals: None
Morocco 1 – 1 Mali
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Goals: Brahim Diaz (45+5′ pen) — Lassine Sinayoko (64′ pen)
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Assists: None (Penalty) — None (Penalty)
The tournament continues today with Group C and D in action, featuring Nigeria and Senegal.