The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reached a fever pitch yesterday, December 29, as the final matches of Groups A and B determined the first set of teams to punch their tickets to the Round of 16. It was a day of contrasting fortunes: clinical dominance for the hosts, a high-stakes thriller in the COSAFA derby, and grit-driven qualifications.
Group A: Atlas Lions Roar into the Knockouts
Morocco 3 – 0 Zambia The host nation, Morocco, underlined their status as tournament favorites with a convincing 3-0 victory over Zambia at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The “Atlas Lions” wasted no time, as Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a clinical header. Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz doubled the lead shortly before halftime, making history by becoming only the second Moroccan to score in three consecutive AFCON matches. El Kaabi sealed the win in the 82nd minute with his second of the night following a VAR review. The match also saw the emotional return of star fullback Achraf Hakimi, who came off the bench after an injury layoff to a standing ovation.
Comoros 0 – 0 Mali In Casablanca, Mali secured the point they needed to progress, despite a late scare. The “Eagles” played the final minutes with ten men after Amadou Haidara was sent off following a VAR review. Comoros fought valiantly for a winner that would have changed their fate, but Mali’s defense held firm to secure a 0-0 draw and second place in the group.
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Group A Standings: Morocco (7 pts), Mali (3 pts) — Qualified. Comoros (2 pts), Zambia (2 pts) — Eliminated.
Group B: Bafana Bafana Edge Zimbabwe in Five-Goal Thriller
Zimbabwe 2 – 3 South Africa The match of the day took place in Marrakech, where South Africa and Zimbabwe played out a breathtaking 3-2 encounter. Tshepang Moremi gave South Africa an early lead, but Zimbabwe responded through Tawanda Maswanhise. A bizarre own goal by South Africa’s Aubrey Modiba briefly gave Zimbabwe hope, but Lyle Foster leveled the scores shortly after the break.
The drama peaked in the 82nd minute when a handball on the line by Zimbabwe’s Marvelous Nakamba resulted in a penalty. Oswin Appollis stepped up and coolly converted, sending Bafana Bafana into the Round of 16 as group runners-up.
Angola 0 – 0 Egypt Egypt entered their final match against Angola with qualification already virtually assured. The “Pharaohs” played out a calculated 0-0 draw in Agadir, maintaining their unbeaten run in the group stage. While Angola created several chances to cause an upset, they couldn’t find the clinical finish required to extend their stay in the tournament.
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Group B Standings: Egypt (7 pts), South Africa (6 pts) — Qualified. Angola (2 pts), Zimbabwe (1 pt) — Eliminated.
Who’s Through?
As of yesterday’s results, the following teams have officially confirmed their places in the Round of 16:
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Morocco (Group A Winners)
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Mali (Group A Runners-up)
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Egypt (Group B Winners)
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South Africa (Group B Runners-up)
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Previously Qualified: Nigeria, Algeria.
Looking Ahead: Today’s Fixtures (December 30)
The action continues today as Groups C and D take center stage to decide their representatives in the knockout rounds:
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Uganda vs. Nigeria (16:00 GMT)
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Tanzania vs. Tunisia (16:00 GMT)
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Benin vs. Senegal (19:00 GMT)
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Botswana vs. DR Congo (19:00 GMT)