RE-LIVE: AFCON 2025 - Rolling updates of today’s action and key moments (30 December)
21:10 GMT 🏆 GOOD NIGHT
🌙 That brings tonight’s action to a close.
Thank you for following our live coverage from Morocco. The final round of group-stage drama continues tomorrow, with more decisive clashes as the knockout picture becomes clearer.
👉 Join us again for live updates, key moments and full coverage of Matchday 10 at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
21:10 GMT 🏆 GROUP D WRAP-UP
Senegal finish top of Group D in style, backing up their status as one of the tournament favourites with a dominant display against Benin. The Lions of Teranga combine defensive solidity with attacking authority, ending the group stage unbeaten and brimming with confidence.
DR Congo also march into the knockout phase unbeaten, sealing qualification with a composed and clinical victory over Botswana. Their consistency across all three matches underlines their credentials as a dangerous opponent in the Round of 16.
Benin exit the tournament after a valiant campaign that included a historic group-stage win, while Botswana bow out having gained valuable AFCON experience despite a difficult group.
21:09 GMT 📊 FINAL GROUP D STANDINGS
| Pos | Team | MP | W | D | L | GF:GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Senegal | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7:1 | +6 | 7 |
| 2️⃣ | DR Congo | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5:1 | +4 | 7 |
| 3️⃣ | Benin | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1:4 | -3 | 3 |
| 4️⃣ | Botswana | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0:7 | -7 | 0 |
🕘 21:05 GMT – FULL-TIME
🏁 Full-time in both Group D matches
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Benin 0–3 Senegal
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Botswana 0–3 DR Congo
A commanding end to Group D as the two favourites deliver emphatic performances to book their places in the Round of 16.
🕓 21:01 GMT - GOAL Senegal
Goal! Benin 0, Senegal 3. Cherif Ndiaye (Senegal) converts the penalty with a right footed shot.Ibrahim Mbaye drew the foul in the penalty area which resulted in the penalty for Senegal after he was fouled by a Benin defender in the box.
🕗 20:55
Late pressure from Senegal, but Benin stand firm and continue to control key moments. DR Congo keep possession comfortably, limiting Botswana to speculative efforts.
🕗 20:45 GMT
The final quarter of an hour approaches. Benin throw numbers forward, aware that two goals goal could change everything in the group. Senegal remain compact and patient. In Rabat, DR Congo slow the pace, managing the game intelligently as qualification draws closer.
🕓 20:34 GMT - RED CARD Senegal
Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal) has been shown the red card after VAR intervened to upgrade his yellow card.
🕓 20:28 GMT - GOAL Senegal
Goal! Benin 0, Senegal 2. Habib Diallo (Senegal) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Sadio Mané.
🕓 20:22 GMT - GOAL DR Congo
Goal! Botswana 0, Congo DR 3. Gaël Kakuta (Congo DR) left footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Théo Bongonda.
🕗 20:15
Senegal look composed in possession, controlling the tempo and limiting Benin’s attacking options. In Rabat, DR Congo continue to dominate midfield, forcing Botswana to chase the game.
🕗 20:10 – Second half underway
The second half gets underway in Tangier and Rabat. Senegal resume with confidence after taking the lead before the break, while Benin know they must respond to keep their qualification hopes alive. DR Congo restart calmly, protecting a healthy two-goal cushion.
🕗 19:53 – HALF-TIME
Half-time in both Group D matches.
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Senegal 1–0 Benin
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Botswana 0–2 DR Congo
Everything favours Senegal annd DR Congo heading into the second half. As things stand, Senegal and DR Congo are both in strong positions to seal qualification to the Round of 16, with Benin still very much in contention depending on the second-half developments.
🕖 19:47
Final moments of the first half approaching. There is breakthrough in both matchwes, and as things stand Senegal and DR Congo would both be heading for the Round of 16.
🕖 19:45
The rhythm slows slightly. Senegal appear content to manage the game, while Benin remain dangerous on set pieces. DR Congo maintain pressure, Botswana defend resolutely.
🕓 19:41 GMT - GOAL DR Congo
Goal! Botswana 0, Congo DR 2. Gaël Kakuta (Congo DR) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom right corner..
🕓 19:39 GMT - GOAL Senegal
Benin 0, Senegal 1. Abdoulaye Seck (Senegal) header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Krépin Diatta with a cross following a set piece situation.
🕓 19:31 GMT - GOAL DR Congo
Goal! Botswana 0, Congo DR 1. Nathanaël Mbuku (Congo DR) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Gaël Kakuta.
🕖 19:30
Half an hour played. Senegal continue to dominate territory but find Benin well organised. In Rabat, DR Congo’s patience is evident as they circulate possession, still searching for a clear opening.
🕖 19:20
Benin show early intent on the break, testing Senegal’s defensive concentration. DR Congo create the first half-chance in Rabat, but Botswana hold firm.
🕖 19:10
Senegal settle quickly into possession, probing without forcing the issue. Benin remain compact and disciplined. In Rabat, DR Congo enjoy early control of the ball, while Botswana sit deep and look to counter.
⚽ KICK-OFF
🕖 19:00 – Kick-off
Both matches are underway.
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Senegal vs Benin kicks off in Tangier
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Botswana vs DR Congo begins in Rabat
Early caution from all four teams, aware of the stakes.
🕕 18:40
Final preparations underway. Coaches deliver last instructions on the touchline. Group D remains wide open, with all permutations still possible as kick-off approaches.
🕕 18:30
Team news filters through: Senegal stick with their trusted core, built around control and defensive solidity. Benin opt for energy and physical presence, clearly prepared to press when opportunities arise. DR Congo are unchanged, while Botswana rotate slightly with pride at stake.
🕕 18:20
Crowds continue to build at the Grand Stade de Tanger, with Senegalese supporters prominent in the stands. Benin’s compact travelling support makes itself heard. In Rabat, DR Congo dominate possession during warm-ups, hinting at an organised approach.
🕕 18:10
Warm-ups are ongoing at both venues. Senegal appear relaxed but focused in Tangier, while Benin’s players carry a visible sense of belief after their historic win over Botswana. In Rabat, DR Congo’s approach looks measured, aware that patience could be key.
🟢 LIVE BLOG – GROUP D DECIDERS (ALL TIMES GMT)
🕕 18:00 – Build-up underway
Attention turns to Group D, where qualification places will be decided this evening. Senegal face Benin in Tangier knowing a draw is enough to progress, while Benin chase a result that could take them through automatically. In Rabat, already-eliminated Botswana meet DR Congo, who require at least a draw to secure their place in the Round of 16.
🔚 Group C wrap – Final standings confirmed
🏁 Full-time in Group C
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Tanzania 1–1 Tunisia
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Uganda 1–3 Nigeria
Nigeria finish the group stage in emphatic fashion, maintaining a perfect record with three wins from three and underlining their status as one of the tournament’s standout sides. The Super Eagles progress as Group C winners, scoring freely and carrying strong momentum into the Round of 16.
Tunisia, despite being held to a draw by a resilient Tanzania, do just enough to secure second place in the group and book their return to the knockout stages. Tanzania exit the tournament with their heads held high after a spirited performance, while Uganda bow out despite showing flashes of quality across their campaign.
With Group C now settled, attention shifts to Group D, where the final qualification places will be decided later this evening. At 19:00 GMT, Benin face Senegal while Botswana take on DR Congo in two simultaneous fixtures that promise more drama as the group stage draws to a close.
Stay with us for live updates as the race to the Round of 16 continues in Morocco 🇲🇦⚽
🕔 17:59 GMT – FULL-TIME
🏁 Full-time in both Group C matches
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Tanzania 1–1 Tunisia
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Uganda 1–3 Nigeria
Nigeria finish Group C with a perfect record, while Tunisia secure a draw finish second and book their place in the Round of 16.
🕔 17:55 GMT
Tension rises across both stadiums. Tunisia sit deeper, defending their lead with everything they have. Nigeria remain compact and composed, limiting Uganda to half-chances as the clock continues to tick down.
🕔 17:50 GMT
Some few minutes to play. Tanzania throw caution to the wind, pushing numbers forward in search of a winner that could change the complexion of the group. Uganda also press aggressively, but Nigeria’s experience shows as they manage key moments calmly.
🕔 17:40 GMT
We enter the final half-hour of both matches. Tanzania continue to probe, but Tunisia’s defensive organisation remains solid. In Fès, Nigeria threaten on the counter, stretching Uganda and creating space as the game opens up.
🕓 17:33 GMT - GOAL UGANDA
Uganda 1, Nigeria 3. Rogers Mato (Uganda) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Allan Okello with a through ball.
🕓 17:27 GMT - GOAL NIGERIA
Uganda 0, Nigeria 3. Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Samuel Chukwueze.
🕓 17:22 GMT - GOAL NIGERIA
Uganda 0, Nigeria 2. Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria) right footed shot from the right side of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Samuel Chukwueze.
🕔 17:20 GMT
Tanzania push higher up the pitch, committing more bodies into midfield and attacking areas. Tunisia remain compact, happy to defend their narrow lead and strike on the counter. In Fès, Nigeria slow the tempo, circulating possession and forcing Uganda to chase the game.
🕔 17:09 GMT – GOAL TANZANIA
Goal! Tanzania 1, Tunisia 1. Feisal Salum (Tanzania) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Novatus Miroshi.
🕔 17:05 GMT – Second half underway
The second half kicks off in both Group C matches. Tanzania emerge with renewed urgency in Rabat, knowing they must respond after conceding before the break. In Fès, Nigeria restart with composure, clearly intent on managing the game while keeping Uganda at arm’s length.
🕓 16:55 GMT – HALF-TIME
Half-time in both Group C matches:
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Tanzania 0–1 Tunisia
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Uganda 0–1 Nigeria
As things stand, Tunisia would still progress, but everything remains finely balanced.
🕓 16:50 GMT
Five minutes to the break. Tunisia dominate possession but have not found the breakthrough. Uganda continue to show resilience, frustrating Nigeria and keeping their qualification hopes alive.
🕓 16:43 GMT - GOAL TUNISIA
Tanzania 0, Tunisia 1. Ismaël Gharbi (Tunisia) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom right corner.
🕓 16:40 GMT
Tunisia increase the tempo, pushing their full-backs higher. Tanzania respond with disciplined defending and quick transitions. In Fès, Nigeria threaten with a quick counter, but Uganda recover well to deny a clear shooting opportunity.
🕓 16:30 GMT
Half an hour gone. Tanzania are holding firm and growing in confidence, stringing together passes in midfield. Uganda have their first chance in Fès, a long-range effort drifting just wide, lifting belief on the Ugandan bench.
🕓 16:28 GMT - GOAL NIGERIA
Uganda 0, Nigeria 1. Paul Onuachu (Nigeria) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
🕓 16:20 GMT
Tunisia register the first meaningful effort in Rabat, forcing Tanzania’s goalkeeper into a comfortable save. In Fès, Uganda grow into the game, pressing Nigeria higher and disrupting their rhythm.
🕓 16:10 GMT
A cautious opening in Rabat as Tunisia enjoy early possession, probing for space. Tanzania sit compact but look dangerous on the break. In Fès, Nigeria start on the front foot, pushing Uganda deep in their own half.
🕓 16:00 GMT – KICK-OFF (both matches)
We are underway in Group C!
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Tanzania vs Tunisia kicks off in Rabat
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Uganda vs Nigeria kicks off in Fès
Everything to play for.
🕝 15:50 GMT
Players are in the tunnel at both stadiums. A place in the Round of 16 awaits at least one of these sides. The tension is palpable.
🕝 15:40 GMT
Final tactical talks taking place on the sidelines. Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi is urging flexibility and bravery, while Tunisia’s Sami Trabelsi continues to emphasise focus and discipline. Uganda’s Paul Put reminds his side that “everything is still possible”.
🕝 15:30 GMT
Supporters are steadily filling the stands. Tanzanian fans are making themselves heard, waving flags and drums, while Ugandan supporters in Fès remain vocal despite the challenge ahead. Nigeria’s travelling fans are confident after two wins from two.
🕝 15:20 GMT
Warm-ups are underway. Tanzania’s players look sharp in the early drills, while Tunisia’s coaching staff continue to stress mental strength. In Fès, Nigeria rotate slightly but still field a strong XI, underlining their desire to finish top with a perfect group record.
🕝 15:10 GMT
Team buses have arrived at both venues. Tunisia are calm and focused in Rabat, knowing a win guarantees progress, while Tanzania are aware that history could be made with qualification. In Fès, Uganda face a daunting task against Nigeria but know victory is their only route forward.
🕑 15:00 GMT – Live build-up begins (Group C)
The atmosphere is beginning to build across Rabat and Fès as the final round of Group C matches approaches. Qualification scenarios are clear: Nigeria are already through, while Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda are all fighting for the remaining place in the Round of 16.
Good afternoon and welcome to our live blog coverage of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco, as Matchday 9 delivers another decisive chapter in the group stage.
Today, Tuesday 30 December 2025, marks the second day of the final round of group matches, with qualification places for the Round of 16 firmly on the line and all games in each group being played simultaneously.
We come into the day after an eventful Monday that saw Morocco seal top spot in Group A with a commanding 3–0 win over Zambia, while Mali progressed alongside the hosts following a goalless draw against Comoros.
Attention now turns to Group C at 16:00 GMT, where Tanzania face Tunisia in Rabat and Uganda take on already-qualified Nigeria in Fès, with survival and progression at stake.
Later at 19:00 GMT, Group D concludes as Benin meet Senegal and Botswana face DR Congo, with the final knockout places to be decided.
Throughout the day, we will bring you live updates in real time, tactical insights, key moments and qualification implications as they unfold. All updates will follow in chronological order with timings in GMT, so stay with us as the drama of the group stage reaches its climax.