Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Intriguing Cup of Nations AFCON last-16 matches confirmed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Intriguing Cup of Nations AFCON last-16 matches confirmed

The fixtures for the Round of 16 in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco have been finalized, following an exhilarating group stage that showcased the exceptional talent in African football.

The knockout stage is scheduled to take place from Saturday, January 3, to Tuesday, January 6, featuring two matches each day at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) and 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) as teams compete for a place in the quarter-finals.

Morocco, the host nation, will face Tanzania at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat on Sunday at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT). The Moroccan team, which topped Group A, is poised to seek their first continental title in 50 years, supported by enthusiastic local fans.

Simultaneously, South Africa and Cameroon will compete later that same day at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT). This match will feature coach Hugo Broos against the national team he previously led to victory in 2017.

The Round of 16 will commence on Saturday with the matchup between 2021 champions Senegal and Sudan at the Grand Stade de Tangier at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT). Following this, Mali will play against Tunisia at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, with Mali striving for their first continental championship while Tunisia aims to replicate their triumph from 2004.

Egypt, the record seven-time champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, are looking to end a lengthy wait for the trophy since their last victory in 2010. They will face Benin on Monday at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) at the Grand Stade de Agadir.

That evening, Nigeria, one of the standout teams from the group stages, will take on Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) as they aim to improve upon their silver medal finish at the 2023 tournament.

On Tuesday, Algeria will meet the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT). The Round of 16 will conclude with a match between defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso at the Grand Stade de Marrakech at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).

The quarter-finals are set to be held on January 9-10, with the final taking place on January 18 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.

TOTALENERGIES CAF AFCON MOROCCO 2025 ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES
  • Saturday, 3 January 2026 – Senegal vs Sudan
  • 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
  • Grand Stade de Tangier
  • Mali vs Tunisia – 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
  • Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
  •  
  • Sunday, 4 January 2026.
  • Morocco vs Tanzania – 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT 
  • Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
  • South Africa vs Cameroon
  • 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
  • Stade Al Medina, Rabat
 
  • Monday, 5 January 2026
  • Egypt vs Benin
  • 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
  • Grand Stade de Agadir
  • Nigeria vs Mozambique
  • 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
  • Complexe Sportif de Fès
  •  
  • Tuesday, 6 January 2026
  • Algeria vs DR Congo
  • 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
  • Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat
  • Cote d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso
  • 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
  • Grand Stade de Marrakech
Senegal thrash Benin as DR Congo progress with a heavy win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal thrash Benin as DR Congo progress with a heavy win

Senegal secured a position in the Round of 16 by defeating Benin with a decisive 3-0 victory in their final Group D match at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The match, held in Tangiers, showcased Senegal’s strong performance, beginning with a header from Abdoulaye Seck in the 38th minute, assisted by Krépin Diatta’s well-executed set piece.

Sadio Mané later provided a critical pass to Habib Diallo, who extended the lead with a composed finish in the 62nd minute.

Despite Kalidou Koulibaly receiving a red card after a VAR review in the 71st minute, Senegal demonstrated resilience and maintained their advantage, culminating in a penalty converted by Cherif Ndiaye in stoppage time.

This victory confirms Senegal’s position at the top of Group D, while Benin also advances to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

In a parallel match, DR Congo triumphed over Botswana with a convincing 3-0 scoreline, securing second place in Group D.

Gael Kakuta delivered an outstanding performance, contributing two goals and an assist, illustrating his pivotal role in the team’s success.

Nathaniel Mbuku opened the scoring, with Kakuta converting a penalty just before halftime and subsequently completing his brace.

This result positions DR Congo for an upcoming match against Algeria in the Round of 16.

Comoros, Zambia and Zimbabwe eliminated from AFCON 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Comoros, Zambia and Zimbabwe have been eliminated from AFCON 2025

After the intense third round of matches, three nations have faced elimination from the 2025 Cup of Nations.

Comoros drew 0-0 with Mali. Despite this draw, Mali secured a spot in the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025.  They finished their final Group A match at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Monday night without scoring.

As a result, Comoros departed the tournament in third place with two points, falling short of qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.

Zambia lost 3-0 to the host team, Morocco. Morocco topped Group A and advanced to the round of sixteen after their decisive victory over Zambia in their last group match on Monday night.

Moses Sichone – Zambia Coach: “It was a tough day for us. We gave Morocco too much respect, and some players seemed nervous. Congratulations to Morocco; they took advantage of our lack of confidence. We improved in the second half, but it was too late.”

Zimbabwe lost 3-2 to South Africa. They finished at the bottom of Group B with no wins, one draw, and two losses.

In a contest shaped more by tension than creativity, Mali did just enough to secure the point they required to finish second in the group and advance to the Round of 16, while Comoros’ hopes of extending their tournament ended despite a spirited display.

Zimbabwe coach Mario Marinica stated, “We knew South Africa would dominate at times since they like to control the ball. We capitalised on opportunities and were dangerous in transition, which helped us regain control of the match. At this level, every mistake is costly. We focused on staying organised, winning duels, and controlling second balls.”

Nigeria and Algeria join Egypt into round of sixteen
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and Algeria join Egypt in the round of sixteen

The final round of group matches in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2025 starts on Monday, with many teams still in contention for the knockout stage.

So far, only three teams, Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria, have secured spots in the Round of 16 by winning their first two matches. The remaining positions will be decided in the final group games.

All matches on Monday will happen simultaneously, raising the stakes for teams. In Group B, Egypt leads with six points and has advanced. South Africa, with three points, faces Zimbabwe, while Angola and Zimbabwe are tied with one point. Angola must win against Egypt to have a chance.

In Group A, Morocco tops the group with four points, while Mali and Zambia have two, and Comoros has one. Morocco plays Zambia, and Mali meets Comoros.

On Tuesday, Group C will see Nigeria, which has already qualified, play Uganda. Tunisia, with three points, will face Tanzania, and both are still in the running.

Group D features Senegal and DR Congo with four points, Benin with three, and Botswana still looking for their first point. Senegal faces Benin, and DR Congo plays Botswana.

In Group E, Algeria has qualified, but Burkina Faso and Sudan, both with three points, are competing for the last spot. Group F has Cameroon and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire tied with four points, while Mozambique has three points.

CAF noted that the final matches promise to deliver exciting outcomes.

Final round of group-stage fixtures (all times GMT)

Monday 29 December

  • 16:00 — Angola vs Egypt

  • 16:00 — Zimbabwe vs South Africa

  • 19:00 — Zambia vs Morocco

  • 19:00 — Comoros vs Mali

Tuesday 30 December

  • 16:00 — Uganda vs Nigeria

  • 16:00 — Tanzania vs Tunisia

  • 19:00 — Benin vs Senegal

  • 19:00 — Botswana vs Congo DR

Wednesday 31 December

  • 16:00 — Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria

  • 16:00 — Sudan vs Burkina Faso

  • 19:00 — Gabon vs Côte d’Ivoire

  • 19:00 — Mozambique vs Cameroon

 

Mozambique stun Gabon in historic AFCON 2025 victory
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mozambique stun Gabon in historic AFCON 2025 victory

The Mambas, who had struggled for nearly 16 matches without a victory on the continental stage, finally turned their fortunes around with an impressive performance at the Stade Adrar.

The match came alive just before halftime when Faizal Bangal put Mozambique in front in the 37th minute, deftly heading home a brilliant cross from Geny Catamo. Just five minutes later, Mozambique extended their lead when Dominguês was brought down in the penalty area by Bruno Ecuele Manga.

Catamo calmly stepped up to take the penalty, placing the ball in the bottom left corner with precision.

Gabon, however, found a glimmer of hope deep into the stoppage time of the first half through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The seasoned striker capitalised on a rebound after Didier Ndong’s initial shot was parried, solidifying his legacy as one of the oldest goalscorers in AFCON finals history.

The momentum shifted back to Mozambique shortly after the break; in the 52nd minute, Diogo Calila leapt highest in the centre of the box to meet a cross from Witi, powering a header into the roof of the net and restoring the two-goal cushion.

In response, Gabon made several tactical adjustments, bringing on Alex Moucketou-Moussounda and Royce Openda to enhance their attack. The pressure from the Panthers finally bore fruit in the 86th minute when Moucketou-Moussounda found the net from close range following a corner, setting up a nail-biting finish.

Despite late efforts from Mario Lemina and Jacques Ekomié, Mozambique’s goalkeeper, Ernan Siluane, stood firm, making several critical saves to maintain their lead.

When the final whistle blew, it marked a historic achievement for Mozambique, ending a nearly four-decade wait for a win at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Post-match Reaction from Geny Catamo, the TotalEnergies Man of the Match for Mozambique, “I am incredibly proud to represent Mozambique and to have played a part in our first-ever victory at the Africa Cup of Nations. We take great pride in this win, and I hope it inspires us to keep working hard for more victories in the future. I urge everyone to keep supporting us; together we can go far, and our goal is to keep pushing ahead in this tournament.”

Gabon 2-3 Mozambique
Goalscorers: P. E. Aubameyang 45+5, A. Moussounda 76e / F. Bangal 32e, G.Catama 42e (P), D. Callila