Category: Football

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) delivered a dramatic final round of Group C and Group D matches on Tuesday, 30 December, as teams battled for a place in the Round of 16. From Nigeria’s perfect group stage to Senegal’s clinical win and Tanzania’s historic progression, here’s a complete rundown of today’s matches with goal scorers. 

Uganda 1–3 Nigeria

Nigeria capped off their group stage with a 3–1 victory over Uganda in Fès. Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Raphael Onyedika added a brace in the 62nd and 67th minutes. Uganda pulled one back late through Rogers Mato in the 75th minute, but it was too little too late. 

The Super Eagles finish the group stage with a perfect 3‑0 record, topping Group C and entering the knockout stages with high spirit. 

Tanzania 1–1 Tunisia

Tanzania earned a historic 1–1 draw with Tunisia, securing their first-ever AFCON Round of 16 qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. Tunisia went ahead from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute via Ismaël Gharbi, but Tanzania responded immediately after halftime with Feisal Salum scoring in the 47th minute.:

This draw marks a milestone in Tanzanian football history, as the Taifa Stars advance to the knockout stage for the first time in AFCON. 

Benin 0–3 Senegal

Senegal confirmed their Group D dominance with a 3–0 win over Benin. Abdoulaye Seck opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a powerful header, Habib Diallo doubled the lead in the 70th minute, and Iliman Ndiaye sealed the victory in the 90th minute. 

Botswana 0–3 DR Congo

DR Congo finished second in Group D with a convincing 3–0 win over Botswana. Nathanaël Mbuku opened the scoring in the 31st minute, followed by Gaël Kakuta, who converted a penalty in the 41st minute and added a third in the 60th minute.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 concluded its final group matches on Monday, 29 December, with four high-stakes games that confirmed several Round of 16 places and shaped the tournament’s knockout landscape. From South African victory to a commanding Moroccan performance, here’s a full recap of all today’s AFCON results. 

Full Match Results – 29 December 2025

Group B Results

• Zimbabwe 2–3 South Africa: South Africa battle back in a thrilling encounter to secure their spot in the Round of 16. 
• Angola 0–0 Egypt: Egypt rest key players but do enough to finish top of Group B unbeaten.

Group A Results

• Comoros 0–0 Mali: Both sides end their group campaigns with a goalless draw in Casablanca. 
• Morocco 3–0 Zambia: Hosts Morocco deliver a dominant victory to top Group A and head into the knockout stage confidently. 

Match Highlights & Key Moments

South Africa 3–2 Zimbabwe 

In one of the day’s most dramatic fixtures in Group B, South Africa edged Zimbabwe 3–2 in Marrakech to seal second place in the group and progression to the Round of 16. South Africa took the lead early, Zimbabwe fought back, but a late penalty ensured a decisive win for the Bafana Bafana. 

Angola 0–0 Egypt 

Egypt wrapped up their group campaign with a goalless draw against Angola, finishing unbeaten at the top of Group B. Despite using a rotating squad, the Pharaohs showed enough defensive resilience to lock down a point. 

Comoros 0–0 Mali 

In Group A, Comoros and Mali played out a 0–0 stalemate, a match defined by strong defending and missed attacking opportunities. Neither side could find the breakthrough, and the shared point affects the final standings. 

Morocco 3–0 Zambia 

Hosts Morocco delivered a convincing 3–0 win over Zambia to top Group A. The Atlas Lions dominated from start to finish, showcasing their attacking firepower and tactical discipline on home soil. 

With a strong goal difference and a perfect finish to their group campaign, Morocco enters the Round of 16 as a team to watch. 

Updated Group Standings After 29 December

Group B:

1. Egypt – 7 pts
2. South Africa – 6 pts
3. Angola – 2 pts
4. Zimbabwe – 1 pt
   
    Group A:

1. Morocco – Qualified as group winners
2. Mali – Await tie-breaker decision
3. Zambia – Await tie-breaker decision
4. Comoros – Finished with 1 point

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) produced thrilling action on Sunday, 28 December, with key group stage results shaping the race for the Round of 16. From Mozambique’s first ever win at the tournament to Algeria securing progression, here’s a complete breakdown of all the major AFCON action. 

In Group F, Mozambique stunned Gabon 3–2 to record their first ever victory in AFCON finals history. The Mambas took an early lead and remained composed against a resilient Gabon side. This landmark result ended a 40-year wait for Mozambique’s first win at the continental tournament. 

Score: Mozambique 3 – Gabon 2

Goals by Bangal, Catamo (pen), and Calila powered Mozambique to a monumental triumph. 

This result significantly boosts Mozambique’s AFCON 2025 campaign and adds drama to Group F’s final matchday. 

Ivory Coast and Cameroon Draw 1–1

Also in Group F, Ivory Coast and Cameroon played out a 1–1 draw in Marrakech. The defending champions took the lead through Amad Diallo, only for Cameroon to equalize via an own goal in a tightly contested encounter.  The draw leaves both sides well-positioned to advance, with each on four points heading into the final group games.

Sudan Beat Equatorial Guinea 1–0

In Group E, Sudan secured a crucial win over Equatorial Guinea, edging them 1–0 with a late goal that proved decisive. The Falcons of Jediane showed resilience to claim valuable points. 

This victory keeps Sudan’s AFCON qualification hopes alive as the group stages tighten. 

Algeria Seal Round of 16 Spot

A pivotal result in Group E came when Algeria defeated Burkina Faso 1–0, earning qualification for the AFCON 2025 Round of 16. Captain Riyad Mahrez converted a crucial first-half penalty to secure the win and solidify Algeria’s top spot in the group. 

Mahrez’s goal ensures Algeria finishes the group stage with six points, advancing with confidence to the knockout rounds. 

The Africa Cup of Nations continued on Saturday, December 27, with a mix of history-making moments, tight battles, and shared points across multiple grounds. Benin recorded their first-ever AFCON victory, Senegal were held despite a Sadio Mané strike, and Uganda vs Tanzania produced a balanced East African stalemate. Nigeria qualify to the knockout rounds as they beat Tunisia after full time.

FULL MATCH RESULTS & ANALYSIS

Benin 1–0 Botswana

Benin’s win marks a historic moment for the national team as they registered their first victory at the Africa Cup of Nations. Yohan Roche scored the decisive goal, and Benin’s defensive shape held strong until the final whistle. This result immediately shifts the tone of their AFCON campaign and places them in a competitive group position.

Senegal 1–1 DR Congo

As former champions, Senegal entered with expectations, but DR Congo made sure there was no easy night in Marrakech. Congo took the lead before Sadio Mané produced the equaliser that kept Senegal in the contest. The result puts pressure on Senegal heading into the next round, proving the championship path this year won’t be simple.

Uganda 1–1 Tanzania

The East African derby lived up to expectations. It was physical, aggressive, and filled with tactical battles across the pitch. Uganda tried to stretch the game with direct play, while Tanzania used midfield control to push back. In the end, both teams left with a point; a fair result, but one that increases qualification pressure moving forward.

Nigeria vs Tunisia 

Highlight of the night at Fez Stadium, Nigeria edged Tunisia 3–2 to strengthen their position in the group. Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the 44th minute, giving the Super Eagles a halftime lead. Just after the break, Wilfred Ndidi doubled the advantage in the 50th minute, and Ademola Lookman added a third in the 67th minute, seemingly putting the game out of reach.

Tunisia fought back late with Mohamed Talbi scoring in the 74th minute and Amine Abdi converting a penalty in the 87th, but Nigeria held on for the win. The result keeps Nigeria firmly in contention for the knockout stages while Tunisia will need a strong response in their next match.

AFCON 2025 delivered a tense round of fixtures on Friday, 26 December, with tight margins and shared points across the board. Egypt were the only side to secure a win, booking their place in the knockout rounds, while Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Comoros, Morocco, and Mali all finished level in their fixtures.

The results set up a dramatic finish to the group stage as qualification battles grow tighter.

Angola 1–1 Zimbabwe

Angola and Zimbabwe opened the day with a competitive draw that keeps both sides alive in Group B.

A goal from Gelson Dala gave Angola an early advantage, but Knowledge Musona restored balance before halftime with a composed finish. Both teams pushed for a winner late on, but neither found the breakthrough.

Egypt 1–0 South Africa

Egypt were the only team to claim all three points, grinding out a 1–0 victory to become the first confirmed qualifiers from their group.

Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot to give the Pharaohs the lead, and despite late pressure from South Africa, Egypt defended confidently to protect the result.

Egypt hit 6 points and are through to the knockout stage.

Zambia 0–0 Comoros

Zambia and Comoros shared points in a match defined by defensive discipline rather than attacking clarity.

Zambia controlled more possession, but Comoros stayed organised and compact, frustrating the build-up and limiting clear chances. 

Morocco 1–1 Mali

Two penalties decided the night’s headline fixture as Brahim Díaz and Lassine Sinayoko both converted from the spot in a tense draw.

Díaz struck first for Morocco, calmly placing his penalty into the corner to give the hosts the lead. Mali responded later with Sinayoko stepping up and firing home to level the match. The final stages were cagey, with neither side willing to risk losing the pointt. Now leaving the group remains unpredictable.

The first round of AFCON 2025 delivered moments of brilliance, drama, and early statement performances. As the dust settles on Matchday 1, CAF has recognized the standout performers with the official TotalEnergies Men of the Match awards; a snapshot of players who not only influenced results but also left a mark on the opening chapter of Africa’s premier tournament.

Here’s a breakdown of the Players of the Match from the opening 12 fixtures across Groups A–F:

Morocco vs Comoros — Brahim Díaz

Morocco opened their campaign with a controlled 2–0 win over Comoros. Brahim Díaz impressed with his composure and attacking intelligence, orchestrating Morocco’s forward play and constantly threatening the Comoros defense.

Mali vs Zambia — Lassine Sinayoko

A 1–1 stalemate saw Mali earn a hard-fought point against Zambia. Lassine Sinayoko stood out, linking midfield and attack seamlessly, providing the creativity that kept Mali competitive until the final whistle.

South Africa vs Angola — Lyle Foster

South Africa edged Angola 2–1 in a tightly contested match. Lyle Foster’s pace and incisive runs proved decisive, earning him the nod as the match’s standout contributor.

Egypt vs Zimbabwe — Omar Marmoush

Egypt’s 2–1 win over Zimbabwe was marked by sharp attacking movements, with Omar Marmoush constantly finding pockets of space. His pressing, vision, and ability to unlock the Zimbabwean defense made him an undeniable pick for Player of the Match.

DR Congo vs Benin — Théo Bongonda

In a low-scoring 1–0 encounter, Théo Bongonda delivered a performance that proved the difference for DR Congo. His direct runs, skill, and decisive link-up play created the winning edge.

Senegal vs Botswana — Nicholas Jackson

Senegal’s 3–0 demolition of Botswana had Nicholas Jackson at the heart of every dangerous move. Jackson’s control of the midfield and relentless energy set the tone for Senegal’s commanding display.

Nigeria vs Tanzania — Semi Ajayi

Nigeria’s opening 2–1 victory over Tanzania highlighted defensive solidity paired with attacking threat. Semi Ajayi’s leadership at the back and timely interventions made him an instant game-changer for the Super Eagles.

Tunisia vs Uganda — Elias Achouri

Tunisia secured a 3–1 win against Uganda, with Elias Achouri’s influence felt across all attacking phases. His movement, vision, and link-up play consistently stretched Uganda’s defense.

Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea — Edmond Tapsoba

Burkina Faso’s 2–1 win was a blend of resilience and efficiency. Edmond Tapsoba anchored the defense while initiating crucial transitions, earning him well-deserved recognition.

Algeria vs Sudan — Riyad Mahrez

Algeria’s 3–0 win over Sudan saw Riyad Mahrez in vintage form. His dribbling, creativity, and occasional magic on the ball kept the Sudanese defense on high alert, demonstrating why he remains a key figure for Les Fennecs.

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique — Amad Diallo

A slender 1–0 victory for Ivory Coast featured Amad Diallo’s clever positioning and decisive movement, constantly troubling Mozambique and setting up the lone goal that clinched all three points.

Cameroon vs Rwanda — Bryan Mbeumo

A 1–0 result and a performance that didn’t rely on volume just struggle for the best. Everything Mbeumo did had consequence: first touch, transition choices, final-third awareness. Cameroon needed leadership in execution, not speeches. He provided it with a wonderful assist for  Karl Etta Eyong  that sealed the game. 

From attacking flair to defensive brilliance, the first round has already given fans a glimpse of Africa’s emerging talents and established stars in peak form.

Stay tuned for updates on the final Matchday 1 MOTM and deeper analysis of every standout performance from this AFCON edition.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) served up another intense round of fixtures on December 24, as four nations Burkina Faso, Algeria, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon picked up crucial victories that immediately shift the tone of their group campaigns.

From late drama to composed finishes, the day highlighted how quickly momentum can change in tournament football.

Burkina Faso 2–1 Equatorial Guinea 

Burkina Faso produced the most dramatic moment of the day, sealing a 2–1 comeback win in the dying minutes. Equatorial Guinea looked set for all three points until the Stallions flipped the script in stoppage time.

A 95th-minute equaliser sparked the turnaround, before a towering late header completed the comeback. The result instantly places Burkina Faso among the teams to watch, not just for points but for mentality.

Algeria 3–0 Sudan

Algeria were the most dominant side of the matchday, claiming a 3–0 win over Sudan with confidence and control from start to finish.

A brace from Riyad Mahrez set the tempo, before a late third goal wrapped up the performance. Sudan struggled to contain Algeria’s midfield rotations and wide combinations, allowing the North African giants to start fast in their group.

Ivory Coast 1–0 Mozambique 

Reigning champions Ivory Coast opened their title defence with a 1–0 win against Mozambique, choosing efficiency over spectacle. The Elephants controlled key moments rather than the full tempo of the match, and a second-half strike made the difference.

Mozambique defended bravely and forced Ivory Coast into careful build-up play, but the champions’ composure in decisive moments held firm.

Cameroon 1–0 Gabon

Cameroon joined the winners’ column with a 1–0 win against Gabon, in a match defined by discipline rather than chaos. The Indomitable Lions capitalised on their best chance of the game and then managed the rhythm well enough to close out the result.

Gabon had opportunities of their own but lacked the precision needed in the final third.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 continued with a packed matchday as Senegal, Nigeria, DR Congo, and Tunisia all picked up important victories, further shaping the early group-stage.

From dominant displays to hard-fought wins, the day’s action highlighted the competitiveness already defining the tournament.

Senegal vs Botswana

Senegal produced one of the most convincing performances of the day, defeating Botswana 3–0 in their Group D opener.

Nicolas Jackson led the charge with two goals, while Chérif Ndiaye added a late third to complete a comfortable win. Senegal controlled the match throughout and quickly established themselves as early favourites in the group.

Nigeria vs Tanzania in Tight Group C Clash

The Super Eagles of Nigeria opened their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 2–1 win over Tanzania in a closely contested Group C encounter.

Nigeria took the lead through Semi Ajayi, but Tanzania responded to level the score and push the match into a tense battle. The decisive moment arrived in the second half when Ademola Lookman scored the winner, securing all three points for the Super Eagles.

DR Congo Narrow Victory Over Benin

In Group D, DR Congo claimed a vital 1–0 victory against Benin in a match decided by fine margins.

An early strike from Théo Bongonda proved enough, as the Leopards remained disciplined defensively to protect their lead and claim maximum points.

Tunisia vs Uganda 3–1 Win

Tunisia completed the day’s action with an impressive 3–1 victory over Uganda in Group C.

The Carthage Eagles showed attacking intent and control, scoring three times to overwhelm Uganda despite resistance from the Cranes. The result gives Tunisia a strong start and places them level on points with Nigeria in the group standings.

As AFCON 2025 continues, attention now turns to the next round of group fixtures, where consistency and squad depth will be tested.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially received the houses and land grants promised to them following their impressive run at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

The presentation of the documents took place on Monday at the team’s camp in Fez, Morocco, where the players are currently preparing for the 2025 AFCON tournament. The development puts an end to months of public discussion over the delayed rewards.

After Nigeria finished as runners-up at AFCON 2023, the federal government had announced a reward package for the players and officials in recognition of their performance. The package included housing allocations, land grants, and national honours.

This week, officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC), alongside representatives of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), handed over the certificates and title documents to the players, confirming that the pledge has now been fulfilled.

Each member of the AFCON squad received documents for a housing unit as well as plots of land, with locations spread across Abuja and Lagos, according to reports..

In addition to the property rewards, the Super Eagles players were also presented with certificates of national honours, most notably the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), awarded for their contribution to Nigerian football and national pride.

The honours were first announced shortly after the AFCON final in early 2024, but formal documentation has now been completed.

Boost Ahead of AFCON 2025

The timing of the gesture is significant, coming just days before Nigeria’s opening fixtures at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Beyond the material value, the fulfilment serves as a morale boost for the squad as they aim to go one step further than their AFCON 2023 finish.

Nigeria lost the 2023 final 2–1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire, narrowly missing out on a fourth continental title. As preparations continue in Morocco, hopes remain high that the Super Eagles can convert past lessons into success on the AFCON stage.

Egypt opened their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign with a 2–1 victory over Zimbabwe in a high-intensity Group B clash at the Stade Adrar in Agadir. The Pharaohs showcased resilience and tactical discipline to come from behind and secure all three points.

The match started with Zimbabwe taking the game to the seven-time champions. In the 20th minute, Prince Dube capitalized on a defensive lapse to give the Warriors a surprising early lead. The goal energized Zimbabwe, forcing Egypt to adjust and push forward.

Despite early pressure, Egypt struggled to break through Zimbabwe’s organized defence. Their persistence paid off in the 64th minute, when Omar Marmoush produced a composed finish to bring the Pharaohs back on level terms. The equalizer shifted momentum, giving Egypt confidence to control the rest of the match.

As Zimbabwe searched for a second goal, Egypt struck on the counter in the 82nd minute. Mohamed Salah delivered a decisive finish, sending the Egyptian fans into celebration and ultimately sealing the win. After taking the lead.

Final Score

Egypt 2–1 Zimbabwe

Goals: Prince Dube (20’) – Zimbabwe | Omar Marmoush (64’), Mohamed Salah (82’) – Egypt