Tag: AFCON

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.

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

Mali and Zambia played out a thrilling 1–1 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group A match at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca. The game was a mix of tactical battles, late drama, and moments of individual brilliance.

The first half ended goalless, with both sides cautious but creating glimpses of attacking potential. Mali’s persistence paid off in the 61st minute when Lassine Sinayoko capitalized on a corner, heading the ball past the Zambian goalkeeper to give the Eagles the lead.

After scoring, Mali controlled possession and looked comfortable, but Zambia was far from done.

Zambia showed tremendous resilience and refused to settle for defeat. Their efforts were rewarded in stoppage time, as Patson Daka rose above the defense to head in a dramatic equalizer. The goal stunned Mali and sparked celebrations for Zambia, salvaging a crucial point from a challenging game.

Key Takeaways

• Mali dominated possession and looked dangerous on the break, but finishing let them down in crucial moments.
• Zambia’s late equalizer highlights their fighting spirit and ability to capitalize on mistakes.
• Both teams will now look to build on this result as they continue their Group A campaigns, knowing every point counts in the race for the knockout stages.

Final Score

Mali 1–1 Zambia

Goals: Lassine Sinayoko (61’) – Mali | Patson Daka (90+3’) – Zambia