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RE-LIVE: AFCON 2025 - Rolling updates of today’s action and key moments (29 December)

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21:05 GMT: GOOD NIGHT

That brings the curtain down on Group A, as the Round of 16 picture continues to take shape across Morocco. Thank you for following today’s live coverage — the knockout drama edges closer, and more decisive group finales await tomorrow.

Join us again for tomorrow for action as the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations continues. Good night from Morocco.

21:00 GMT: 🏁 Group A Concludes: Morocco and Mali Advance to the Round of 16

Group A of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations has reached its conclusion after a decisive final matchday played simultaneously on Monday evening in Morocco.

Hosts Morocco underlined their title credentials with an emphatic 3–0 victory over Zambia in Rabat, while Mali secured qualification with a disciplined 0–0 draw against Comoros in Casablanca.

The results confirmed Morocco and Mali as the top two teams in Group A, sealing their places in the Round of 16, while Comoros and Zambia exit the tournament at the group stage after competitive campaigns.

20:59 GMT:📊 Final Group A Standings

Pos Team MP W D L G GD Pts
1️⃣ Morocco 3 2 1 0 6:1 +5 7
2️⃣ Mali 3 0 3 0 2:2 0 3
3️⃣ Comoros 3 0 2 1 0:2 −2 2
4️⃣ Zambia 3 0 2 1 1:4 −3 2

20:58 GMT:🔍 Group Summary

  • Morocco finish top of the group unbeaten, combining defensive solidity with attacking authority, and progress as group winners.

  • Mali advance without defeat, drawing all three matches to claim second place and continue their consistent record of reaching the knockout phase.

  • Comoros fall just short after showing resilience, including a clean sheet on the final day.

  • Zambia bow out despite strong defensive spells, extending their long wait for an AFCON victory.



20:55 GMT – FULL-TIME

🏁 Full-time in both matches

  • Zambia 0–3 Morocco

  • Comoros 0–0 Mali

A dramatic but goalless conclusion to Group A to the Comoros v Mali game, while Morocco win convincingly to top the group.


20:52 GMT

🔔 RESULT: Comoros 0-0 Mali 
It is full time in the Comoros v Mali game the Eagles hold on despite playing the final minutes with just ten men. This should be enough for Mali to qualify.




20:50 GMT

🔔 Final moments approaching
Players digging deep in both matches as stoppage time looms. The Group A picture is about to be decided.



20:45 GMT - RED CARD TO MALI

Mali are down to ten men against Comoros as Amadou Haidara has been shown the red card following a VAR review. It is going to be tough for Mali in the dying minutes of the game. 




20:40 GMT

Morocco still probing to extend their 3-0 lead as Zambia fight to keep their fading AFCON hopes alive. Mali maintain pressure, with Comoros relying on defensive resilience and counter-attacks.



20:30 GMT

⌛ Final 20 minutes
Qualification tension is palpable. Morocco remain patient, knowing the win is enough to see them finish top, while Mali press for the goal that would settle nerves.




20:20 GMT

⚠️ Momentum shift
Morocco creating more openings now, forcing Zambia deeper. Achraf Hakimi comes on from the bench it is a big applause for the home fans to see their icon returning to the pitch after injury.
In Casablanca, Mali come closest so far, but Comoros goalkeeper stands firm.



20:15 GMT

Morocco step up the tempo, pushing higher up the pitch, while Zambia continue to defend resolutely.
Mali increase pressure in Casablanca as Comoros look increasingly stretched.




20:10 GMT GOAL!!!! Morocco

Zambia 0, Morocco 3. El Kaabi extends Morocco's lead with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Azzedine Ounahi following a set piece situation.Goal awarded was confirmed following VAR Review.

20:05 GMT – SECOND HALF

⚽ The second halves are underway simultaneously in Rabat and Casablanca.



19:48 GMT – HALF-TIME

🕐 Half-time in both matches

  • Zambia 0–2 Morocco

  • Comoros 0–0 Mali

A cautious opening 45 minutes across Group A, with everything still to play for after the break.



19:40 GMT

⏳ Tension rising. A goal in the other match between Comoros v Mali could dramatically reshape the Group A standings, with live permutations changing by the minute.



19:30 GMT

📊 Half-hour mark

  • Morocco continue to dictate play but Zambia remain organised.

  • Mali enjoying territorial control, though Comoros are growing into the contest.



19:26 GMT GOAL!!!! Morocco

Zambia 0, Morocco 2. Brahim Díaz extends the lead for the Atlas Lions with a left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Abde Ezzalzouli.



19:20 GMT

Half-chances at both venues but no clear openings after the Atlas Lions scored their goal. Morocco probe patiently, while Mali test Comoros with set-pieces.



19:10 GMT

Early possession dominance from Morocco, calmly circulating the ball as expected, while Zambia sit compact and look to break quickly.
In Casablanca, Mali control tempo, but Comoros are defending with impressive discipline.



19:09 GMT GOAL!!!! Morocco

Zambia 0, Morocco 1. Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco) opens the scoring with a header from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Azzedine Ounahi with a cross following a corner.



19:00 GMT – KICK-OFF

⚽ We are underway in both matches!

  • Zambia vs Morocco kicks off in Rabat

  • Comoros vs Mali kicks off in Casablanca

Two matches. Four teams. Ninety minutes to decide Group A.



18:55 GMT

The atmosphere is building inside both stadiums as players head back down the tunnels following warm-ups. Everything is set for a dramatic evening.



18:50 GMT

📋 Team sheets are in
Morocco name a strong XI led by Brahim Díaz, while Zambia look to youthful energy as they chase a historic breakthrough.
In Casablanca, Mali stick with the core that earned a draw against Morocco, while Comoros line up hoping to repeat their 2021 group-stage heroics.



18:40 GMT

🚌 Teams arrive at the stadiums
Both squads are already in the stadium and completed their warm-ups ahead of kick off in about 20 minutes.



18:30 GMT

📌 Competition note:
Morocco are unbeaten in 13 consecutive AFCON group matches, while Zambia are searching for their first win at AFCON since 2012.
Mali, meanwhile, are unbeaten in 12 straight AFCON group games, underlining their consistency at this stage.




18:20 GMT

Supporters are already streaming into both venues. Morocco’s fans have turned Rabat into a sea of red, while Mali enjoy strong backing in Casablanca after an impressive group campaign so far.



18:10 GMT

The focus is firmly on Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where hosts Morocco face Zambia needing a result to confirm safe passage to the knockout stage.
Meanwhile in Casablanca, Mali know that avoiding defeat against Comoros should be enough to see them through. Below are the starting line-ups for the two matches

 

 



18:00 GMT

Good evening and welcome back to our live coverage of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations from Morocco.
Tonight, Group A reaches its decisive moment, with both final matches kicking off simultaneously at 19:00 GMT as qualification places hang in the balance.




⏹️ FULL-TIME – 18:00 GMT

Group B wrapped up: Egypt lead, South Africa follow as Angola and Zimbabwe bow out

Group B of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations has now been decided after the final round of matches, bringing clarity to one of the most competitive pools of the tournament.

Final Group B Standings

  1. Egypt – 7 points

  2. South Africa – 6 points

  3. Angola – 2 points

  4. Zimbabwe – 1 point

Egypt finish top of the group unbeaten, underlining their consistency and control across all three matches. Their ability to manage games, even after qualification was secured, confirmed their status as one of the early favourites heading into the knockout phase.

South Africa claim the second qualification spot after a composed and disciplined campaign, responding well to setbacks and doing enough when it mattered most in the decisive final fixture.

For Angola, two hard-earned draws and narrow margins were not enough to push them through, while Zimbabwe exit the tournament with just one point despite flashes of attacking promise and late resistance in the group.

With Group B now complete, attention turns fully to the next decisive encounters elsewhere, as the tournament moves closer to the knockout rounds and the stakes continue to rise. Stay with us as we transition to the next match and another chapter of AFCON 2025 unfolds.



⏹️ FULL-TIME – 17:57 GMT

Angola 0–0 Egypt
Zimbabwe 2–3 South Africa

Egypt complete their Group B campaign with two wins and a draw to top the group. South Africa secure progression with a disciplined victory, while Angola and Zimbabwe see their tournaments come to an end.



17:50 GMT

Final minutes approaching. South Africa drop deep to protect their lead; Egypt slow the tempo expertly.




17:45 GMT 

Both matches stretch. Zimbabwe push desperately for an equaliser, while Angola sense they could even snatch all three points as they fight to win the game and stay in the competition.



17:41 GMT GOAL!!!! South Africa

Zimbabwe 2, South Africa 3. Penalty converted by Oswin Appollis with a right footed shot to the bottom right corner. This was after VAR decision to award South Africa the penalty. It was conceded by Marvelous Nakamba (Zimbabwe) following a handball in the penalty area.



17:32 GMT GOAL!!!! Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe 2, South Africa 2. Own Goal by Aubrey Modiba. Attempt saved. Tawanda Maswanhise (Zimbabwe) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal by Ronwen Williams (South Africa) but Modiba accidentally directed it into his own net. 

 



17:30 GMT

South Africa begin to settle, enjoying longer spells of possession. Zimbabwe remain compact, looking to spring counters through Musona. In Agadir, Egypt calmly circulate the ball, absorbing Angolan pressure.




17:15 GMT

South Africa increase tempo, pressing higher and forcing Zimbabwe into hurried clearances and goalkeeper called to the rescue. It is still goalless in the Angola vs Egypt match.



17:09 GMT GOAL!!!! South Africa 

Zimbabwe 1, South Africa 2. Lyle Foster (South Africa) header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner.


▶️ SECOND HALF

17:04 GMT

Second halves are underway simultaneously. 



⏸️ HALF-TIME – 16:48 GMT

  • Angola 0–0 Egypt

  • Zimbabwe 1–1 South Africa

As things stand, Egypt remain in cruise control, while South Africa edge closer to qualification. Zimbabwe and Angola both need second-half unanswered goals to keep their hopes alive.


16:40 GMT 

Tension rising across both matches. Angola continue to commit numbers forward, aware a single goal could change the complexion of the group but still no goal to report in that game against Egypt. The other match sees Zimbabwe making several counter attacks.



16:30 GMT 

Chance Angola! A half-opening falls to Gelson Dala, but the finish lacks power and Egypt’s goalkeeper gathers comfortably. At the same time in Marrakech, South Africa test the Zimbabwe keeper with a low drive from distance.



16:20 GMT

South Africa begin to settle, enjoying longer spells of possession. Zimbabwe remain compact, looking to spring counters through Musona. In Agadir, Egypt calmly circulate the ball, absorbing Angolan pressure with no goals in that match so far



16:19 GMT GOAL!!!! Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe 1, South Africa 1. Tawanda Maswanhise (Zimbabwe) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Jonah Fabisch.

 

16:07 GMT GOAL!!!! South Africa

Zimbabwe 0, South Africa 1. Tshepang Moremi (South Africa) left footed shot from the right side of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Lyle Foster.


 

🔴 16:00 GMT – KICK-OFF

Angola vs Egypt
Zimbabwe vs South Africa
Both Group B matches are underway.





15:55 GMT

National anthems are imminent at both venues. Everything is set.



15:45 GMT

Players begin final warm-ups. The atmosphere builds as fans file in, aware that qualification — and elimination — will be decided simultaneously.



⚽ KICK-OFF APPROACHING

15:30 GMT

Team news trickles in from both stadiums. Angola name a strong XI, signalling their intent to challenge Egypt head-on. South Africa opt for experience in midfield, while Zimbabwe stick with their trusted core.




13:50 GMT

Final tactical instructions being delivered. Captains gather their teams — focus, discipline and nerve will define the next two hours.

13:40 GMT

Stat watch: Zimbabwe have never kept a clean sheet at AFCON finals. South Africa, meanwhile, have failed to score in their last two final group matches. One of those records is likely to change today.



13:30 GMT

Warm-ups are underway in both venues. The intensity is unmistakable — this is AFCON group-stage football at its most unforgiving.



13:20 GMT

Competition update: Fair play and goal difference could come into play later today, making every goal across both Group B matches potentially decisive.



13:10 GMT

Egypt’s squad rotation is a key talking point. With qualification secured, head coach Hossam Hassan may rest key figures — but history suggests Egypt rarely take their foot off the pedal in group finales.



13:00 GMT

Angola are on site at the Grand Stade d’Agadir. Gelson Dala, already one of the tournament’s most influential attackers, is expected to lead the line again as Angola push for a famous result.



12:50 GMT

Zimbabwe players arrive at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, greeted by a lively pocket of travelling supporters. This is the Warriors’ biggest AFCON match in over a decade, wit a historic first-ever knockout qualification within reach.




12:40 GMT

South Africa’s technical staff are drilling compact defensive shapes in warm-up training. Bafana Bafana have failed to win their final group match in seven consecutive AFCON tournaments — a stat they are desperate to end today.



12:30 GMT

Historically, Egypt have never lost to Angola at AFCON, but the Palancas Negras will draw confidence from their improved ball retention at this tournament. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s hopes rest heavily on the experience and finishing of captain Knowledge Musona.



12:20 GMT

Team camps are active across Agadir and Marrakech. Coaches are expected to balance urgency with discipline, particularly in the Angola–Egypt fixture where one side can afford rotation while the other cannot.



12:10 GMT

A reminder of the stakes: Egypt are confirmed group winners, but the second automatic qualification place — and a potential best third-place route — remains wide open. Angola need a result against the Pharaohs, while Zimbabwe must win and hope results fall their way. South Africa know a draw could be enough.



12:00 GMT

The countdown is officially on for a decisive afternoon in Group B. Both matches later today will be played simultaneously, ensuring no room for calculation or complacency. Egypt arrive already qualified, while Angola, Zimbabwe and South Africa all still have something to play for.



LIVE UPDATES – Matchday 8 | Monday 29 December 2025 (All times GMT)
Group B: Angola vs Egypt | Zimbabwe vs South Africa


Good day and welcome to our live blog coverage of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations here in Morocco, where the drama of the group stage reaches a decisive moment today.


It is Matchday 8, Monday 29 December 2025, and all eyes are on the final round of group matches, with fixtures played simultaneously to determine who advances to the knockout stages.


Yesterday delivered plenty of tension and talking points, as Algeria and Cameroon strengthened their positions, Côte d’Ivoire were held to a hard-fought draw, and qualification battles across Groups E and F went down to the wire.


Today, the spotlight shifts to Group B at 16:00 GMT, where Angola face already-qualified Egypt while Zimbabwe take on South Africa, with progression hopes hanging in the balance.


Later at 19:00 GMT, Group A concludes with Comoros vs Mali and hosts Morocco against Zambia, promising another evening of high-stakes football and emotional twists.


We’ll be bringing you live updates every ten minutes, key moments, goals and context from across all four matches as they unfold — so stay with us and follow the story of AFCON 2025 as it happens.