AFCON Round-Up: Morocco Cruise, Mali Grit, Egypt Hold On and Bafana Advance

AFCON Round-Up: Morocco Cruise, Mali Grit, Egypt Hold On and Bafana Advance

By Niyi Busari 

Ayoub El Kaabi’s double powered tournament hosts Morocco to a commanding victory, while Mali, Egypt and South Africa all secured progression to the knockout stages as the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 group phase continued on Monday night.

Morocco sealed top spot in Group A with an emphatic win over Zambia, Mali advanced despite being reduced to ten men against Comoros, Egypt finished first in their group following a goalless draw with Angola, and South Africa edged Zimbabwe in a dramatic five-goal thriller to book their place in the Round of 16.

Morocco delivered a statement performance in Rabat, defeating Zambia 3–0 to finish top of Group A and underline their credentials as tournament favourites.

The Atlas Lions set the tempo early and were rewarded in the ninth minute when Ayoub El Kaabi rose highest to head home following a cleverly worked short corner delivered by Azzedine Ounahi.

Morocco doubled their advantage in the 27th minute, again through Ounahi’s vision. The midfielder released Abde Ezzalzouli down the left, whose low cross fell to Brahim Diaz. The winger showed composure to slot past Toaster Nsabata Mwanza and put daylight between the sides.

Any hopes of a Zambian comeback were extinguished shortly after the restart. El Kaabi struck again in spectacular fashion in the 53rd minute, producing an acrobatic bicycle kick from another Ounahi delivery. Although initially flagged offside, VAR overturned the decision to confirm both the goal and El Kaabi’s brace.

The win sees Morocco finish the group stage with seven points, ensuring top spot and a favourable knockout draw.

Reaction

Ayoub El Kaabi (Man of the Match):

“We achieved our objective by finishing top of the group. Now the real competition begins. We’ll rest, prepare well and focus on what comes next.”

Walid Regragui (Morocco coach):

“We had a clear plan and the players executed it perfectly. As hosts, we must treat every game like a final, and the support from the crowd continues to push us forward.”

Mali 0–0 Comoros: Eagles Advance Despite Late Red Card

Mali secured their place in the Round of 16 after holding Comoros to a goalless draw in Casablanca, finishing second in Group A.

The match was low on clear chances but high on tension, with Mali knowing a point would be enough to progress. Comoros threatened sporadically on the counter, while Mali struggled to break down a disciplined defence.

Drama arrived late when Amadou Haidara was shown a straight red card in the 88th minute, forcing Mali to defend with ten men. Comoros pressed in the closing stages but were unable to find a breakthrough.

Mali finish the group with three points from three draws, while Comoros exit the tournament in third place with two points, missing out on qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.

Angola 0–0 Egypt: Pharaohs Hold Firm to Finish Top

Egypt topped their group despite being held to a scoreless draw by a dominant Angola side at the Stade d’Agadir.

Angola controlled large spells of the match and created the better chances, particularly in the second half. Fredy was central to their attacking threat, striking the woodwork from a free kick and forcing goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy into several saves.

Egypt, though largely on the back foot, defended with discipline and organisation, seeing out the contest to secure a point that proved sufficient to finish first in the group.

Reaction

Fredy (Angola, Man of the Match):

“We gave everything and created chances, but football can be cruel. This was my last match for Angola, and I am proud of everything I gave to this shirt.”

Hossam Hassan (Egypt coach):

“The draw is satisfactory. We rested key players and are happy to qualify. Now our focus is fully on the knockout stage.”

South Africa 3–2 Zimbabwe: Bafana Hold Nerve in Five-Goal Thriller

South Africa booked their place in the knockout stages after edging Zimbabwe 3–2 in a dramatic Group B encounter.

Bafana Bafana struck early through Tshepang Moremi and regained the lead twice after spirited Zimbabwe responses, with Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis finding the net. Appollis’ 82nd-minute penalty proved decisive after VAR ruled in South Africa’s favour.

Zimbabwe pushed relentlessly until the final whistle and reduced the deficit through an own goal, but South Africa defended resolutely to secure the three points.

The result sees South Africa finish second in the group with six points, while Zimbabwe exit the tournament with one point.

Reaction

Hugo Broos (South Africa coach):

“We attack well, but football is also about defending. We need to be more disciplined if we want to go further.”