AFCON 2025 Roundup: El Kaabi Shines In Morocco’s Statement Win As South Africa Survives Zimbabwe Scare

‎Matchday drama returned in full force at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 as hosts Morocco delivered their most convincing performance of the tournament, South Africa edged Zimbabwe in a five-goal thriller, and Egypt quietly secured top spot in Group B.

‎El Kaabi Inspires Hosts to Dominant Win

‎Morocco finally looked like the tournament favourites many expected them to be as they eased to a 3–0 victory over Zambia, securing top spot in Group A with seven points.

‎The star of the night was Ayoub El Kaabi, whose mixture of precision and athleticism electrified the Casablanca crowd. He opened the scoring with a powerful early header, timing his leap perfectly to meet a cross with force.

‎Later, he brought the stadium to its feet with one of his trademark bicycle kicks, a finish that highlighted both confidence and technical brilliance.

‎The hosts’ command over the match grew stronger as Brahim Díaz added Morocco’s third goal. This marked his third consecutive match on the scoresheet and once again emphasized his importance as the creative heartbeat of the midfield.

‎His ability to drift into spaces and unlock defences gave Morocco total control of the game.

‎There was also a small moment of celebration within a much larger one: the return of Achraf Hakimi.

‎Recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, the Morocco captain stepped onto the pitch in the 64th minute to an eruption of noise from the home fans.

‎Playing for the first time since suffering an ankle injury almost eight weeks ago, he looked sharp and lively. He nearly capped his comeback with a dream goal, only to be denied by a stretching save from Willard Mwanza in the 81st minute.

‎For Zambia, the evening ended in disappointment. They finished bottom of the group with two points, ultimately eliminated after failing to match Morocco’s pace, intensity, and execution.

‎Stalemate Sends Mali Through and Comoros Home

‎In the other Group A match, Mali and Comoros played out a subdued 0–0 draw in Casablanca.

‎The match lacked urgency for long stretches, with neither side finding the quality needed to break the deadlock. The result, however, shaped the group decisively.

‎Mali advanced to the last 16 with three points, while Comoros were eliminated after finishing below Mali and Morocco.

‎Mali’s night took a late negative turn when midfielder Amadou Haidara was shown a red card for a dangerous challenge. His suspension in the next round now leaves Mali with a significant tactical hole to fill.

‎Bafana Bafana Survive a Thriller in Marrakech

‎In Marrakech, South Africa secured second place in Group B with an intense 3–2 victory over Zimbabwe, a match filled with momentum swings and defensive lapses.

‎South Africa led on three occasions but were pegged back twice, leaving coach Hugo Broos with a mixture of satisfaction and concern.

‎The match began with a stroke of luck for South Africa when Tshepang Moremi’s effort took a wicked deflection off Divine Lunga and looped into the net.

‎Zimbabwe responded with one of the goals of the tournament. Tawanda Maswanhise collected the ball 35 yards from goal, drifted past two defenders with ease, and drilled a low strike beyond Ronwen Williams.

‎After halftime, Lyle Foster restored South Africa’s lead when he reacted quickest to a poor back header from Lunga and nodded the ball home.

‎Zimbabwe refused to fold and levelled again when a low shot from Maswanhise was saved by Williams, only for the rebound to strike Aubrey Modiba and deflect into the net.

‎The decisive moment arrived in the final 10 minutes when Marvelous Nakamba handled the ball inside the box in an attempt at a goalkeeper-style block. Oswin Appollis stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, sealing South Africa’s place in the knockout stage.

‎Zimbabwe, who created several additional chances, were left to rue what might have been as they exited the tournament once again before the last 16.

‎Pharaohs Rotate and Remain Unbeaten

‎Egypt approached their final group match with the comfort of having already secured top spot, allowing them to make 11 changes from their previous game.

‎Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and other key players were given the night off, offering valuable rest before the knockout rounds.

‎Despite the wholesale rotation, Egypt maintained discipline and kept its unbeaten record intact with a 0–0 draw against Angola.

‎Angola had the better of the attacking opportunities, with Chico Banza coming closest to breaking the deadlock after a well-worked exchange with Mabululu.

‎His attempt slid narrowly wide, leaving Angola frustrated. With just two points, Angola now faces a tense wait to learn whether results from Group C will allow them to squeeze into the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.