Tag: AFCON 2025

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.