Category: Football Africa

Mohamed Salah wins it for Egypt in added time
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Salah grabs an added-time winner for Egypt

Mohamed Salah scored in the dying moments of stoppage time as Egypt began their Africa Cup of Nations journey with a slender 2-1 win over Zimbabwe in their group match on Monday.

The Liverpool forward had minimal impact for much of the game but became crucial at the end, converting from close range to secure a hard-earned three points for the Pharaohs.

Egypt started the match strongly but missed several clear chances created by Trezeguet, Salah, and Emam Ashour. Zimbabwe capitalised on this, with Prince Dube scoring in the 20th minute from an unmarked position.

Despite close calls for a second goal, Egypt’s defence held firm. Coach Hossam Hassan made a tactical change in the 33rd minute, bringing on Mostafa Mohamed, shifting Omar Marmoush to an attacking midfield role. Marmoush had two attempts before halftime but couldn’t score.

After the break, Egypt intensified their efforts, with Marmoush and Mohamed both being denied opportunities until Mohamed equalised in the 64th minute with a close-range shot.

Hassan introduced further offensive players, creating urgency for Egypt. Just as the match appeared headed for a draw, Salah scored in stoppage time from a rebound, securing a 2-1 victory for Egypt.

This win placed Egypt at the top of their group with three points, tied with South Africa, which had also defeated Angola. Egypt’s next match is against South Africa, while Zimbabwe faces Angola.

Egypt's Omar Marmoush receives the TotalEnergies Man of the Match accolade for his impressive goal and performance.
Egypt's Omar Marmoush receives the TotalEnergies Man of the Match accolade for his impressive goal and performance.
South Africa beat Angola in AFCON Group B opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

A winning start for South Africa over Angola in AFCON Group B opener

South Africa started their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-1 victory over Angola in the opening match of Group B in Marrakech, Morocco. Burnley striker Lyle Foster scored the winning goal 11 minutes before the end of the game.

Hugo Broos’ side began the match strongly and took the lead when Oswin Appollis scored with a low shot into the bottom-left corner. Angola responded about 15 minutes later when Show turned in a cross from Fredy to level the match at halftime.

In the second half, South Africa thought they had scored again when Tshepang Moremi hit a powerful shot into the bottom corner. However, VAR disallowed the goal because he was offside.

As South Africa pressed for the winner, Mbekizile Mbokazi came close with a long-range shot that hit the crossbar.

Minutes later, Moremi set up Lyle Foster, whose powerful shot into the top corner secured the win for South Africa, putting them temporarily at the top of the group, ahead of Egypt’s match against Zimbabwe.

Man of the match: Lyle Foster (South Africa)

Patson Daka's late heeder salvage a point for Zambia against Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Patson Daka’s late header salvages a point for Zambia against Mali

Zambia kicked off their Group A campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mali in their Africa Cup of Nations match on Monday.

Lassine Sinayoko gave Mali the lead early on, but Zambia’s Chipolopolo struck back with a last-gasp goal to level the score.

Both teams entered the match knowing how crucial a win would be, but it was the West African side that managed to take the first initiative at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

However, Zambia’s Patson Daka’s header was enough to secure a point for Zambia, leaving Morocco at the top of the group.

This encounter marked the first time the two sides faced each other since 2022, when El Bilal Toure scored the only goal to give Mali a 1-0 victory.

Zambia last lifted the trophy in 2012 after defeating the Ivory Coast on penalties, but they struggled in the last edition in 2023, failing to secure a single win.

They’ll need to build on this tie when they face Comoros on Boxing Day, whilst 1972 runners-up Mali battle it out with host Morocco later that evening.

Morocco open Cup of Nations 2025 with win over Comoros
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco open Cup of Nations 2025 with a win over Comoros

On Sunday, Morocco commenced their campaign in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 victory over Comoros, with goals scored by Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Morocco employed a 4-3-3 formation, although manager Walid Regragui made the surprising decision to exclude several prominent players from the starting lineup.

In contrast, Comoros coach Stefano Cusin opted for a more traditional approach, retaining veteran leadership led by captain Youssouf M’Changama.

From the outset, Morocco dominated possession, while Comoros remained steadfast in their defensive strategy. The game nearly saw an early breakthrough in the 9th minute when Morocco was awarded a penalty after Imsane M’Madi fouled Brahim Díaz, who had cleverly drawn contact in the penalty area.

However, Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a remarkable save, diving correctly to prevent Soufiane Rahimi from converting the opportunity.

Morocco faced an early challenge in the 18th minute when captain Romain Saïss suffered a muscle injury and was replaced by Jawad El Yamiq. The first yellow card was issued in the 36th minute to Yannick Kari for a tackle on Azzedine Ounahi.

Tensions rose before halftime due to a VAR review in the 44th minute, resulting in no penalty after Díaz was ruled to have handled the ball.

In the second half, Díaz received a yellow card in the 48th minute for a late challenge, but he scored in the 55th minute, converting a low cross from Noussair Mazraoui for the opening goal.

Four minutes later, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a vital save from a shot by Said Bakari. In the 65th minute, Morocco made key substitutions, with Ayoub El Kaabi being introduced for Soufiane Rahimi. El Kaabi then scored a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute from a cross by Salah-Eddine Mraouni, furthering Morocco’s lead.

Morocco managed the final minutes effectively, making additional substitutions. They look to maintain this momentum into their next match against Mali on December 26th, while Comoros prepares for a critical game against Zambia.

Monday, December 22nd Fixtures:

  • Mali vs. Zambia
  • South Africa vs. Angola
  • Egypt vs. Zimbabwe
Ayoub El Kaabi classic overkicked at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat
Ayoub El Kaabi's classic overhead goal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat
Egypt’s Hossam Hassan hopeful of AFCON 2025 success
by Football Sierra Leone

Egypt’s Hossam Hassan hopeful of AFCON 2025 success

Egyptian football legend Hossam Hassan, now the coach of Egypt’s national team, wants his team to win the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco.

The former International believes they have what it takes to achieve this, even though they have not won the tournament since 2010.

Egypt is in Group B with Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Their first match is against Zimbabwe at the Adrar stadium in Agadir, Morocco, on Monday.

In an interview with CAFonline.com, Hossam talked about how he instils a winning spirit in his players. He said, “The Egyptian national team already has a winning mentality. I was lucky to win three AFCON titles as a player in 1998, 2006, and 2008.

We will do everything possible to lift the trophy again this year. It will take hard work from every team member. Egypt has a rich football history, especially in AFCON, where we have won seven titles.”

He shared Egypt’s goals for the tournament: “We always aim to win, which requires a lot from our players. We have top players, and they are motivated for this championship.”

Hossam also expressed respect for their Group B opponents, saying, “All teams in our group are strong and have good players. African football has improved greatly, but we will give our best to win the title and make our fans happy.”

He acknowledged the progress of AFCON: “I thank CAF for their efforts in improving the tournament. African football has developed a lot, and all countries are working to do well in this championship. Egypt has hosted successful editions, and I believe Morocco will organise an excellent tournament.”

Hossam sent a message to Egyptian fans: “Thank you for your continued support. We will do everything we can to lift the trophy. The national team always aims to bring joy to our supporters, and we promise to give our all to make them proud.”

He noted that the close calls in 2017 and 2021 should motivate this generation of players, with Hossam’s guidance, to succeed.