AFCON 2025 Roundup: Nigeria Sweeps Uganda Aside As Senegal Secures Group D After Beating Benin

‎The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 delivered another dramatic round of group-stage action, with giants asserting their dominance and underdogs battling to stay alive.

‎Nigeria maintained a flawless run, while Senegal showed calm control to secure their position. DRC also impressed with a commanding performance on a thrilling night of football across Morocco.

‎Nigeria Seals Group C Dominance With Win Over Uganda

‎Nigeria produced a commanding performance to secure a 3–1 victory over Uganda in Fes, completing the group stage with a perfect nine points. 

‎Despite resting several regular starters, the Super Eagles were in control from start to finish, ensuring Uganda bowed out of the tournament.

‎Paul Onuachu opened the scoring after 28 minutes, redeeming himself after missing a sitter earlier in the half. His composed finish came from a clever assist by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who danced past defenders before threading the ball into the striker.

‎Raphael Onyedika doubled the lead in the 62nd minute, firing low through substitute goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi’s legs after receiving a sharp pass from Samuel Chukwueze. The midfielder struck again just five minutes later, calmly side-footing home another Chukwueze delivery from the right.

‎Uganda, who had a chaotic evening that saw them use three goalkeepers due to injury and a red card, pulled one back through Rogers Mato in the 75th minute. A momentary lapse in Nigeria’s defence allowed Mato to lift the ball over the keeper, but it was too little, too late.

‎Nigeria now heads into the knockout rounds full of confidence, having impressed throughout the group stage despite the lingering disappointment of missing out on the 2026 World Cup.

‎Tanzania Earn Historic Last-16 Spot After Draw With Tunisia

‎In another Group C encounter, Tanzania produced a gritty 1–1 draw against Tunisia in a result that secured their place in the round of sixteen as one of the best third-placed teams.

‎The Taifa Stars’ resilience paid off in a tightly contested match.

‎Tunisia took the lead shortly before halftime when Ismaël Gharbi converted a 43rd-minute penalty. But three minutes into the second half, Tanzania struck back through Feisal Salum, whose powerful shot found the net and lifted the East Africans into a frenzy.

‎The point capped off a determined group-stage campaign for Tanzania, who now prepare for a daunting last-16 showdown against hosts Morocco in Rabat.

‎Tunisia, meanwhile, will meet Mali in Casablanca in what promises to be an intense tactical battle.

‎Senegal Overcomes Red Card to Defeat Benin and Top Group D

‎Ten-man Senegal showcased their strength and depth with a convincing 3–0 victory over Benin, ensuring they finished top of Group D on goal difference.

‎The defending champions delivered a composed display even after losing captain Kalidou Koulibaly to a red card with twenty minutes remaining.

‎Abdoulaye Seck opened the scoring in the 38th minute, a goal confirmed after a lengthy VAR check which ultimately ruled the ball had brushed off his elbow.

‎Senegal’s pressure continued after the break, and Sadio Mané scored their second goal in the 63rd minute with a brilliant run and cutback for Habib Diallo to sweep home.

‎Koulibaly’s dismissal followed shortly after, but Senegal refused to retreat. Seventeen-year-old Ibrahima Mbaye won a penalty during a dangerous breakaway, and Cherif Ndiaye, who had just entered the match, confidently converted from the spot.

‎Benin’s best opportunity came late on through a Junior Olaitan free-kick, but Édouard Mendy produced a superb flying save. Benin still advances to the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams and will face Egypt next.

‎DRC Outclass Botswana to Set Up Clash With Algeria

‎The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) delivered one of its most convincing performances of the tournament with a 3–0 victory over Botswana in Rabat.

‎The win secured qualification and also set up a high-profile last-16 meeting with Algeria.

‎Gaël Kakuta was the star of the night, scoring twice and assisting another. He produced a brilliant backheel to set up Nathanael Mbuku for the opening goal, before converting a penalty awarded for a Thabo Leinanyane handball.

‎Kakuta added his second after effortlessly controlling a pass from Théo Bongonda and finishing under no pressure.

‎DRC thought they had added a fourth when Fiston Mayele steered a delivery into the net, but VAR ruled the effort out for handball.

‎Botswana, appearing in only their second AFCON campaign, struggled throughout and ultimately exited the tournament after losing all three matches.