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.