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RE-LIVE: AFCON 2025 - Rolling updates of today’s action and key moments (28 December)

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22:08 GMT: Good night, and don’t forget to join us again tomorrow.

22:06 GMT: What a compelling day of football it has been at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as Matchday 7 delivered drama, tension and finely balanced outcomes across Groups E and F.

In Group E, Algeria continued their perfect start with a second straight victory, moving top on six points and taking a big step towards the Round of 16. Burkina Faso and Sudan remain locked on three points each, setting up a decisive final round of group matches, while Equatorial Guinea are left with work to do after suffering a second defeat.

Over in Group F, the heavyweight clash in Marrakech between Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon lived up to its billing, ending in a 1–1 draw. The result keeps both former champions level on four points apiece, finely poised at the top of the group. Mozambique, boosted by their earlier victory, sit close behind on three points, while Gabon are now facing elimination after back-to-back losses.

With qualification battles tightening and margins getting thinner, the stage is perfectly set for another thrilling day at AFCON as the group phase enters a decisive stretch.

Thank you for staying with us throughout today’s live coverage. Matches continue tomorrow, and we’ll be back with more live updates, key moments and all the drama from Morocco.

21:55 GMT: The final whistle blows in Marrakech. Côte d’Ivoire 1–1 Cameroon. A decent result for both sides that puts them in a good position of advancing to the knockout stages.


21:48 GMT: Cote d'Ivoire respond with urgency. Substitutions introduced with Amad making way for Zaha as they chase the winner, pressing Cameroon deep.

21:41 GMT: Late drama brewing. Cameroon pour forward, but Côte d’Ivoire hold firm, managing the game with experience.

21:12 GMT: GOAL!!!!! Côte d'Ivoire 1, Cameroon 1. Junior Tchamadeu (Cameroon) right footed shot from the right side of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Christian Kofane. Game on!!!!!



21:07 GMT: GOAL!!!!! Côte d'Ivoire 1, Cameroon 0. Amad Diallo (Côte d'Ivoire) left footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ghislain Konan.



21:01 GMT: Second half underway. Both sides emerge with renewed intensity, aware that one goal could tilt the balance. 



20:46 GMT: Goalless at the break. A disciplined, tactical first half with chances at a premium, fitting the stakes of the occasion.

20:40 GMT: Midfield battle intensifies. Darlin Yongwa and Samuel Kotto busy at the back for Cameroon as pressure builds.

20:30 GMT:Côte d’Ivoire growing in confidence. Amad Diallo cuts inside and forces a save, continuing his strong start to the tournament.

20:20 GMT: First warning from Cameroon. Christian Kofane breaks down the right and delivers a dangerous cross, but the Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Konesaves it decisively.

20:10 GMT: Measured opening from both sides. Cameroon sit compact while Côte d’Ivoire probe patiently, with Franck Kessié anchoring midfield.

20:00 GMT: We are underway in Marrakech. Côte d’Ivoire get the match started as the latest chapter of this storied rivalry unfolds.

19:50 GMT: The two squads arrive at the Stade de Marrakech amid rising noise in the stands. The sense of occasion is unmistakable — this is one of AFCON’s heavyweight nights.

19:40 GMT: Both teams arrive with three points from their opening matches. A win tonight would all but secure qualification to the Round of 16 and assert early dominance in Group F, while defeat could leave qualification hanging on the final matchday. The starting line-ups are below:


19:30 GMT: This is the ninth AFCON meeting between the Elephants and the Indomitable Lions — a rivalry spanning more than five decades. Cameroon hold the historical edge at the finals, but Côte d’Ivoire’s 1–0 group-stage win in 2015 proved decisive on their path to lifting the trophy.

19:28 GMT: As the dust settles on the stalemate between Algeria and Burkina Faso in Rabat, attention now shifts south to Marrakech, where one of African football’s most enduring rivalries takes centre stage. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire face five-time winners Cameroon in a Group F clash rich in history, pressure and pedigree.

 



19:27 GMT - FULL-TIME: The final whistle sounds. Algeria 1–0 Burkina Faso.
A hard-fought victory for the Dessert Foxes to seal qualification to the knock out stages of the competition. Qualification for Burkina Faso set to be decided on the final matchday.


19:24 GMT: Late pressure from Burkina Faso. Edmond Tapsoba delivers a dangerous shot into the area, but Algeria defend resolutely and clear their lines. Four minutes of added time indicated. Tension rises in Rabat as Burkina push for a decisive goal.

19:14 GMT: Substitutions on both sides as the tempo increases. Fresh legs introduced with both teams sensing this match could hinge on one moment.

18:58 GMT: Burkina Faso threaten on the counter. Georgi Minoungou bursts forward, forcing Algeria’s defence into a hurried clearance.

18:48 GMT: Algeria respond with sustained spells of possession. Baghdad Bounedjah drops deeper to link play as the Desert Foxes search for openings.

18:38 GMT: The second half gets underway. Burkina Faso press higher immediately, attempting to disrupt Algeria’s build-up play.


18:21 GMT: The referee brings the first half to a close. A tightly contested and tactical opening 45 minutes, with neither side willing to overcommit.

18:10 GMT: Midfield battle intensifies. Ramy Bensebaïni influential for Algeria, dictating tempo as both teams remain cautious with just the goal separating them.


18:00 GMT: Burkina Faso begin to grow into the game, stringing together neat passing sequences. Edmond Tapsoba steps forward confidently, helping his side progress play from deep.

17:53 GMT: GOAL FOR ALGERIA: Goal! Algeria 1, Burkina Faso 0. Riyad Mahrez converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom left corner.

17:52 GMT: Penalty for Algeria. Rayan Aït-Nouri draws a foul in the penalty area. Penalty conceded by Ismahila Ouédraogo (Burkina Faso) after a foul in the box.


17:50 GMT: First half-chance of the evening. Riyad Mahrez cuts inside from the right and curls an effort toward goal, but Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper gathers comfortably.

17:40 GMT: A composed opening from Algeria, enjoying early possession and patiently moving the ball across midfield. Burkina Faso remain compact and disciplined, looking to break quickly.

17:30 GMT:We are underway in Rabat. Burkina Faso get the match started as the two familiar rivals lock horns once again at AFCON.

17:25 GMT: Final touches underway on the pitch. The crowd continues to build inside the Moulay Hassan Stadium as both sides complete their warm-ups, national anthems and ready for the handshakes and the start of the game.

17:10 GMT Both teams arrive at the stadium to warm applause from supporters. Focused expressions all round as the importance of the occasion is clear — this is a potential qualification decider.

 

1701 GMT: Algeria were emphatic in their opener, defeating Sudan 3–0 with Riyad Mahrez scoring twice to become the nation’s all-time leading AFCON goalscorer. Burkina Faso, meanwhile, showcased remarkable resilience, scoring twice beyond the 90th minute to overturn Equatorial Guinea in a dramatic 2–1 win.

1701 GMT: Good evening from Rabat, where Group E takes centre stage with a high-stakes encounter between Algeria and Burkina Faso. Both teams arrive with three points from their opening matches and know that victory tonight would secure early qualification to the Round of 16.



ALGERIA vs BURKINA FASO – LIVE UPDATES

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 | Group E
Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Hassan, Rabat
Kick-off: 17:30 GMT

17:01 GMT: The referee blows for full time. Equatorial Guinea 0, Sudan 1.
A hard-fought win that keeps Sudan's hopes alive in Group E and they go home fully satisfied. 


16:40 GMT: GOAL Equatorial Guinea 0, Sudan 1. Own Goal by Saúl Coco, Equatorial Guinea. 

16:22 GMT: Sudan increase the intensity, committing numbers forward in search of the opening goal as the game opens up.



16:12 GMT:The second half gets underway with Sudan making a more assertive start, pushing their defensive line higher.


1558 GMT: The referee brings the first half to an end. A tight, tactical opening 45 minutes with few clear chances, reflecting the pressure on both teams. Everything still to play for after the interval.

1540 GMT: The tempo drops slightly as both teams prioritise structure. With so much at stake, neither side willing to overcommit before the break.



1530 GMT: Sudan grow into the contest. Aamir Abdallah’s set-piece causes momentary panic in the Equatorial Guinea penalty area, but the defence recovers to clear.


1520 GMT: First real opening of the match. Equatorial Guinea striker tests the Sudan goalkeeper with a low drive from the edge of the box, but it is comfortably gathered. Ovono looks to have suffered a knock and gets medical attention. 

1510 GMT: A cautious opening from both teams. Equatorial Guinea enjoying more of the ball, while Sudan sit compact and look to break quickly down the flanks.

15:00 GMT: We are underway at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca. Equatorial Guinea get the match started as both sides look to secure their first points in Group E.



14:55 GMT

Minutes to kick-off in Casablanca. With qualification hopes already hanging by a thread, this clash represents a defining moment for both nations — a chance to reset campaigns, restore belief, and keep Group E wide open.



14:50 GMT

Players from both teams are now visible around the pitch during warm-ups. The tension is unmistakable. Discipline could prove decisive: Equatorial Guinea have had players sent off in each of their last two AFCON matches, while Sudan were reduced to ten men in their opener.



14:46 GMT

There is, however, a compelling subplot. Equatorial Guinea boast an impressive record in second group matches at AFCON, having never lost in this fixture across four previous tournaments. Sudan, on the other hand, have often responded positively after opening-day defeats under Kwesi Appiah — a pattern they will hope to repeat.



14:44 GMT

History favours Equatorial Guinea. The two sides have never met at AFCON finals, but their only previous encounters came in qualification for the 2019 tournament, both of which were won by Equatorial Guinea — including a commanding 4–1 away victory in Sudan.



14:42 GMT

Sudan, meanwhile, are seeking to halt a worrying AFCON trend. Their opening defeat to Algeria extended a winless run at the finals that now stretches to eight matches. Goals have been particularly hard to come by, with Sudan finding the net just once in their last five AFCON outings.



14:40 GMT

Equatorial Guinea come into this match still feeling the sting of a dramatic 2–1 defeat to Burkina Faso, where they conceded twice deep into stoppage time after taking the lead. That collapse marked the first time they have ever lost an AFCON match after scoring first — a statistic they will be desperate to correct today.



14:33 GMT

The Stade Mohamed V begins to fill as supporters from both camps arrive knowing the significance of the afternoon ahead. With both teams beaten on Matchday One, this fixture already carries the weight of a must-not-lose encounter in Group E.



14:32 GMT 

As the dust settles in Agadir following Mozambique’s vital 2–1 victory over Gabon, attention now shifts north to Casablanca, where another Group E survival battle is fast approaching. Up next at the Stade Mohamed V is a meeting between Equatorial Guinea and Sudan, two sides still searching for their first points at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.



14:31 GMT – FULL-TIME

The final whistle sounds in Agadir. Mozambique secure a crucial 3-2 victory over Gabon, registering their first win of the tournament and keeping their Group F qualification hopes alive. Gabon are left with work to do in their final group match after a spirited second-half effort falls just short. Full time dressing room celebration is epic



14:23 GMT 

Seven minutes of added time are signalled. The stadium rises as Gabon push for one last chance, while Mozambique focus solely on seeing out the result.


14:09 GMT GOAL - GABON

Gabon 2, Mozambique 3. Goal!  Alex Moucketou-Moussounda (Gabon) scored with a right-footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal following a corner.

14:05 GMT 

Late pressure from Gabon as they throw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Mozambique defend deep, with goalkeeper Ernan Siluane commanding his area confidently.

14:00 GMT 

Mozambique remain compact and disciplined defensively, absorbing pressure and slowing the game down whenever possible. Gabon’s attacks are increasingly direct as frustration begins to creep in.



13:45 GMT GOAL - MOZAMBIQUE

Gabon 1, Mozambique 3. Goal! Diogo Calila (Mozambique) header from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Witi with a cross.

Second Half

13:38 GMT – SECOND HALF UNDERWAY

We are back underway at the Stade d’Adrar. Gabon get the second half started as they chase an equaliser, while Mozambique look to protect their narrow advantage and exploit spaces on the counter.



13:21 GMT – HALF-TIME

The referee brings the first half to a close in Agadir with Mozambique holding a 2–1 lead. A lively opening period saw Mozambique punish Gabon’s defensive lapses, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s late strike has given the Panthers renewed belief heading into the second half. With qualification hopes on the line, the next 45 minutes promise urgency and intensity from both sides.



13:21 GMT – HALF-TIME

The referee brings the first half to a close. A tense, evenly balanced opening 45 minutes with both teams cautious, knowing the stakes involved with Mozambique leading 2-1. The second half will be interesting.



13:20 GMT GOAL - GABON

Gabon 1, Mozambique 2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores with right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. This was after Didier Ndong (Gabon) right footed shot from outside the box was punched into play by the goalkeeper Ernan Siluane (Mozambique) allowing Aubameyang to pounce. 



13:15 GMT (40’)

Midfield battle intensifies. Didier Ndong influential for Gabon, dictating play and keeping the Panthers ticking as half-time approaches.



13:11 GMT GOAL - MOZAMBIQUE

Gabon 0, Mozambique 2. Geny Catamo (Mozambique) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom left corner.

13:09 GMT PENALTY FOR - MOZAMBIQUE

Penalty conceded by Bruno Ecuele Manga (Gabon) after a foul in the penalty area. Dominguês draws a foul in the penalty area. Bruno Ecuele Manga (Gabon) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

13:07 GMT GOAL - MOZAMBIQUE

Gabon 0, Mozambique 1. Faizal Bangal (Mozambique) header from very close range to the top left corner. Assisted by Geny Catamo with a cross following a corner.



13:00 GMT (30’)

The tempo increases. Mozambique showing more ambition going forward, with Mexer forcing Gabon’s defence into a hurried clearance.

12:50 GMT (20’)

First meaningful opportunity of the match falls to Gabon, but the effort is comfortably dealt with by Siluane. Mozambique yet to settle fully in possession.

12:40 GMT (10’)

A cautious opening from both sides. Gabon enjoying slightly more possession, while Mozambique sit compact and look to break quickly through the flanks.



12:30 GMT – KICK-OFF

We are underway in Agadir! Gabon, in yellow, get the match started against Mozambique in red. A crucial Group F contest is officially in motion.



12:28 GMT

Handshakes completed, captains exchange pennants. The referee completes final checks—kick-off is moments away.


12:26 GMT

Teams are back out on the pitch for the national anthems. The atmosphere inside Stade d’Adrar rises noticeably as both anthems are respectfully observed.



12:10 GMT

Teams retreat to the dressing rooms for final preparations. National anthems are scheduled in 20 minutes’ time.



12:00 GMT

Final tactical instructions being delivered on the benches. Coaches from both sides appear animated, underlining the significance of the next 90 minutes.



11:50 GMT

The stadium continues to fill as anticipation builds. Both sets of supporters know the importance of this fixture, with defeat likely leaving qualification hopes hanging by a thread.



11:40 GMT

Reminder: Gabon have not won their second group match at AFCON since 2012. Mozambique, meanwhile, have never avoided defeat in their second group game at the finals—one of those records will be tested today.



11:30 GMT

Warm-ups are now underway. Aubameyang is among the most active Gabonese players on the pitch, while Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Siluane is going through an intense shot-stopping routine. The line ups are in:




11:20 GMT

Players from both teams have arrived at the stadium, exactly 1 hour and 10 minutes before kick-off, adhering to CAF matchday protocols. Pitch conditions in Agadir look excellent. Gabon have also arrived in the stadium:



The Mambas arrived in style:


 



11:10 GMT

Tournament context: Group F remains wide open after the opening round. A win here would significantly boost either side’s chances of reaching the knockout phase ahead of the final group match.



11:00 GMT

Mozambique’s coaching staff have emphasised defensive organisation once again, but with a clearer intention to commit numbers forward. Geny Catamo remains their main attacking outlet after registering both shots on target in the opening match.



10:50 GMT

Team news filtering through suggests Gabon may stick largely with the structure used against Cameroon, with tactical adjustments expected in midfield to improve ball progression and attacking efficiency.



10:40 GMT

Early scenes from Agadir show steady fan movement toward Stade d’Adrar. Gabonese colours are prominent, while Mozambique supporters are also making their presence felt, drums and chants echoing around the stadium precincts.
10:30 GMT

This will be the first-ever AFCON finals meeting between Gabon and Mozambique. Interestingly, all seven previous meetings between the sides in all competitions have produced goals—an encouraging stat for neutrals.



10:20 GMT

Mozambique arrive under heavy pressure. They have now gone 16 AFCON matches without a win, a record they are desperate to end. Head coach confidence remains intact after a disciplined performance against Côte d’Ivoire despite the 1–0 defeat.



10:10 GMT

Gabon’s camp is calm but focused. After a 1–0 loss to Cameroon, the Panthers know defeat today would place their qualification hopes under serious strain. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, now at his fifth AFCON, is expected to play a key leadership role.



10:00 GMT

The first matchday build-up is underway in Agadir as Gabon and Mozambique prepare for a crucial Group F encounter. Both sides are searching for their first win of the tournament after narrow opening defeats, adding extra edge to this fixture.



Live Updates: Gabon vs Mozambique (Group F)

Venue: Stade d’Adrar, Agadir
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT




Good morning and welcome to our live blog coverage of Matchday 7 of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations here in Morocco. Today marks the third day of the second round of group-stage matches, with four games lined up across the country as qualification battles begin to take real shape.

Yesterday delivered high drama, highlighted by Nigeria’s thrilling 3–2 win over Tunisia, which sent the Super Eagles to the top of Group C, while Senegal and DR Congo remained locked together at the summit of Group D.

The margins are tightening, the pressure is rising, and every point now carries added significance. Throughout the day, we will bring you live updates, key moments, atmosphere notes and competition news as events unfold. All timings in this blog are GMT. Let’s get started.