AFCON
AFCON 2025 Roundup: Salah Saves Egypt As Bafana Bafana Start Strong With A Win Over Angola
The opening days of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 delivered everything fans love about Africa’s biggest football showpiece drama, late goals, and heroic performances.
From Mohamed Salah’s late magic to South Africa’s display and Zambia’s spirited fightback, the tournament is already producing electrifying storylines.
Below is a full breakdown of the standout action across Groups A and B.
Salah Strikes Late as Egypt Edge Zimbabwe
Venue: Grand Stade de Marrakech
Mohamed Salah proved once again why he remains Africa’s biggest superstar, scoring a stoppage-time winner to rescue Egypt from an opening-day setback against a stubborn Zimbabwe side.
The seven-time African champions dominated possession from the outset but struggled to convert pressure into clear-cut chances.
Their early wastefulness came back to haunt them in the 20th minute when Jordan Jalai’s surging run and precise cut-back found Prince Dube, who turned sharply and finished calmly past Mohamed El Shenawy.
Despite controlling the flow of the game, Egypt went into the break trailing a scenario that sent shockwaves through Group B.
Marmoush Ignites the Comeback
The Pharaohs returned with renewed intent. Full-backs pushed higher, passing became more urgent, and Omar Marmoush took responsibility in the final third.
His 63rd-minute equaliser, a powerful run and emphatic finish, restored belief and shifted momentum firmly in Egypt’s favour.
With Zimbabwe dropping deeper under pressure, Egypt continued to probe, and their persistence paid off in the dying moments.
Salah latched onto a high ball, danced past his marker, and clinically slotted home to send Egyptian fans into euphoric celebrations.
A narrow escape, but a vital three points for a team with serious title ambitions.
Bafana Bafana Start Strong With a Win Over Angola
Venue: Grand Stade de Marrakech
South Africa opened their AFCON 2025 campaign with an impressive performance, overcoming a tricky Angola side in a lively Group B encounter.
Hugo Broos’ team came out flying, and their early intensity paid off in the 17th minute. Oswin Appollis pounced on a loose ball in the box, using quick feints to wrong-foot defenders before guiding a composed finish into the bottom corner.
But after the opener, South Africa eased off on something their coach later admitted he “didn’t understand” and Angola capitalised. Show flicked in Fredy’s dangerous free-kick in the 34th minute to level matters after sustained pressure.
Second-Half Adjustments Make the Difference
The introduction of Moremi shifted the tempo back in Bafana’s favour. Waves of pressure followed, Mbokazi rattled the woodwork, Lyle Foster had a goal ruled out, and Angola struggled to regain control.
The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute. South Africa’s high press forced a turnover, Nkota threaded a perfect pass to Foster, and the striker curled a stunning effort into the top corner.
Broos’ men held firm to secure a crucial victory that not only boosts confidence but also signals that South Africa could be contenders in a challenging group.
Zambia Shock Mali With Late Equaliser
Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
Mali looked set to begin AFCON 2025 with a convincing win after dominating Zambia for long spells, but a late header from Patson Daka salvaged a dramatic draw for the Chipolopolo.
The Eagles controlled the match from the first whistle. Mamadou Sangaré, Dorgeles Nene, and Lassine Sinayoko orchestrated the attack, while El Bilal Touré constantly troubled Zambia’s back line.
Touré had a golden chance to put Mali ahead from the penalty spot, but goalkeeper Willard Mwanza produced a clutch save to keep Zambia alive.
Mali eventually found the breakthrough in the 61st minute when Sinayoko reacted quickest to a loose ball, smashing home a deserved opener.
However, their failure to convert earlier dominance, combined with late defensive substitutions, proved costly.
Zambia Fight to the End
Zambia grew bolder in the final stages. Fashion Sakala spearheaded counterattacks with pace and directness, though Mali’s defence initially held strong.
But with the final minutes ticking away, Daka rose highest in the area to head home a perfect delivery, earning Zambia a valuable point and stunning the Casablanca crowd.
