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RE-LIVE: AFCON 2025 - Rolling updates of today’s action and key moments (4 January)

Published:

🕘 22:00 GMT – GOOD NIGHT!

The result ends South Africa’s impressive recent record against the Indomitable Lions and sends Cameroon through to the last eight, where belief and momentum continue to grow in a youthful squad.

Earlier today, hosts Morocco also progressed, ensuring a dramatic and high-quality second day of Round of 16 action at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

That wraps up today’s live coverage from Rabat. Thank you for joining us — be sure to return tomorrow for more knockout drama as the race to the quarter-finals continues.




🕘 20:55 GMT – FULL-TIME

Full-time in Rabat: South Africa 1–2 Cameroon

Cameroon book their place in the quarter-finals after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over South Africa at the Al Madina Stadium.

The Indomitable Lions struck first when Junior Tchamadeu fired home from the centre of the box, finishing calmly after Samuel Kotto kept the move alive from a corner. 

Cameroon doubled their advantage in the second half as Christian Kofane rose highest to head in a precise cross from Aboubakar Nagida, putting daylight between the sides.

South Africa responded late through Evidence Makgopa, who converted from close range after a teasing delivery by Aubrey Modiba, but the comeback came too late to deny Cameroon.

🕖 20:52 GMT - RECORD

Cameroon youngster Christian Kofane is now the first player since Julius Aghahowa of Nigeria in 2002 to score two goals in a single AFCON edition before turning 20.


🕖 20:50 GMT - RECORD

Christian Kofane who scored earlier in the game, aged 19 years and 5 months, has become the second-youngest player ever to score for Cameroon in the knockout stage of the AFCON — behind only Samuel Eto’o, who achieved the feat at 18 years and 10 months.




🕖 20:47 GMT - GOAL - CAMEROON

South Africa 1, Cameroon 2. Bafana Bafana pull one back as Evidence Makgopa scores with a right-footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Aubrey Modiba with a cross. We are in for some interesting final minutes of the game.




🕗 20:40 GMT

South Africa respond by pushing numbers forward, increasing urgency as they search for goals to equalise.




🕗 20:30 GMT

Cameroon on the attack once again and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saves the shot from Arthur Avom with Bryan Mbeumo also very visible with his untiring efforts. 




🕗 20:20 GMT

South Africa apply sustained pressure, forcing Cameroon into a series of defensive clearances. The crowd senses a shift.




🕖 20:05 GMT - GOAL - CAMEROON

South Africa 0, Cameroon 2. Christian Kofane extends Cameroon's lead with a fantastic header from the centre of the box following a cross from the left. 



🕗 20:04 GMT – Second half underway

The second half kicks off with renewed intensity. South Africa look to raise the tempo early.




⏸️ 19:48 GMT – HALF-TIME

Half-time in Rabat. The match remains finely balanced match with Cameroon finding the breakthrough in a tense opening 45 minutes.




🕖 19:45 GMT

A nervy end to the first half approaching. Both teams creating half-chances, but clear openings remain rare.



🕖 19:40 GMT

Cameroon begin to grow into the match, pushing higher up the pitch. South Africa’s defence remains disciplined.




🕖 19:34 GMT - GOAL - CAMEROON

South Africa 0, Cameroon 1. Junior Tchamadeu puts Cameroon in the lead with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. He was assisted by Samuel Kotto following a corner. VAR check confirms Cameroon goal. 




🕖 19:30 GMT

The physical battle intensifies in midfield. Fouls slow the rhythm as neither side wants to concede early.




🕖 19:20 GMT

South Africa are now enjoying more possession, pinning the Indomitable Lions to their side of the pitch. First real opportunity of the match as South Africa test the Cameroonian goalkeeper with a low drive from distance. Cameroon respond moments later with a quick counter.




🕖 19:10 GMT

A cautious opening from both sides. Cameroon enjoy slightly more possession, while South Africa stay organised and compact.




⏱️ 19:00 GMT – KICK-OFF

The match gets underway in Rabat. South Africa kick off, and the Round of 16 tension is immediately evident.




🕕 18:50 GMT

Final tactical preparations. Cameroon are expected to sit compact and look to strike on transitions, while South Africa aim to control midfield and tempo. The national anthems very soon and then kickoff. 



🕕 18:40 GMT

A reminder of history: South Africa have not lost to Cameroon in their last seven meetings, but knockout football often rewrites the script. Below are the starting line-ups:





🕕 18:30 GMT

Warm-ups are underway. South Africa look sharp in possession drills, while Cameroon’s session is intense and physical, reflecting their traditional strength and power.




🕕 18:20 GMT

Both teams have arrived at the stadium. Cameras catch Hugo Broos exchanging greetings with familiar faces from the Cameroon camp — a reminder of his AFCON-winning past with the Indomitable Lions.




🕕 18:10 GMT

Supporters from both nations are filtering into the stadium. South African fans are vibrant and vocal, while Cameroon’s contingent respond with drums and chants, creating a colourful AFCON atmosphere.




🕕 18:00 GMT – Live build-up begins (South Africa vs Cameroon)

Attention shifts to Rabat as the Al Madina Stadium prepares for tonight’s Round of 16 showdown between South Africa and Cameroon. With kick-off set for 19:00 GMT, anticipation is building for a clash rich in history, pride and knockout tension.




🕕 17:59 GMT – FULL-TIME

The final whistle sounds in Rabat. Morocco do just enough to secure victory and book their place in the quarter-finals, while Tanzania bow out with heads held high after a historic AFCON campaign.

Stay with us as attention now turns to tonight’s second Round of 16 clash between South Africa and Cameroon at 19:00 GMT.




🕔 17:50 GMT

Morocco slow the tempo slightly, managing possession and looking to control the game as Tanzania chase an equaliser.




🕔 17:40 GMT

Tanzania respond bravely, pushing a few men forward and winning a free-kick in a promising area. Morocco remain alert at the back.




🕔 17:26 GMT - GOAL MOROCCO

Morocco 1-0 Tanzania GOAL! Morocco finally break through with a well-worked move, sending the home crowd into celebration. Brahim Diaz's unstoppable shot finally beats the goalkeeper who has been in top shape today. Díaz scored with a right-footed shot from a difficult angle on the right to the bottom right corner. Achraf Hakimi did all the work on the right hand side to set Diaz up for the goal. Tanzania now face their biggest test of the tournament.



🕔 17:20 GMT

Morocco press high and force a series of corners. Tanzania’s goalkeeper is kept busy as pressure mounts. Hakimi's free-kick of tipped over by the goalkeeper. 




🕔 17:10 GMT 

Meanwhile at starts of the game, Achraf Hakimi jumped into the list of top five players with the most appearances for Morocco at major tournaments. The major tournaments are the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations combined. When this evening's match against Tanzania started, Moroccan players with the most appearances at major tournaments are:

26 – Youssef En-Nesyri
25 – Noureddine Naybet
25 – Romain Saïss
25 – Achraf Hakimi 



🕔 17:08 GMT – Second Half Underway

The second half kicks off. Morocco return with renewed urgency, clearly intent on avoiding extra-time.




⏸️ 16:52 GMT – HALF-TIME

Half-time in Rabat. Morocco head to the break still searching for the breakthrough, while Tanzania will be pleased with a disciplined first-half display.




🕓 16:50 GMT

The crowd grows restless as Morocco struggle to break through. Tanzania are growing in confidence and slowing the game whenever possible.




🕓 16:40 GMT

Morocco increase the tempo, probing down both flanks. Tanzania’s defensive shape remains disciplined, frustrating the hosts.



🕓 16:30 GMT

Tanzania show a glimpse of intent on the counter, forcing Morocco to retreat quickly. A reminder that the Taifa Stars are not here just to defend.




🕓 16:20 GMT

First real chance for Morocco as a low cross causes panic in the Tanzanian box, but the defence clears. Tanzania yet to venture forward. Ayoub El Kaabi misses a header from the centre of the box.




🕓 16:10 GMT

Morocco dominate early possession, circulating the ball patiently. Tanzania remain compact, with all players behind the ball.

 
⏱️ 16:00 GMT – KICK-OFF

The match is underway in Rabat. Morocco get us started, attacking from right to left.



🕒 15:50 GMT

Final instructions from both benches. Tanzania’s players huddle tightly, while Morocco look calm but determined.



🕒 15:40 GMT

Morocco’s recent Round of 16 history flashes on big screens, a reminder of past disappointments. The message from the crowd is clear: this time must be different.

 

🕒 15:30 GMT

Half an hour to kick-off. The noise inside the stadium is steadily increasing. This feels like one of those AFCON matches where patience will be as important as quality.



🕒 15:20 GMT

Tactical note: Tanzania coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi is expected to deploy a deep defensive block, aiming to frustrate Morocco early and grow into the game.




🕒 15:10 GMT

Morocco’s players emerge again for light drills, with Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz drawing loud cheers from the crowd. Tanzania goalkeeper is already being tested by shooting practice.



🕒 15:00 GMT

Official team sheets are confirmed. Morocco line up with experience across the pitch, while Tanzania stick with the disciplined side that earned them qualification from the group stage.




🕑 14:50 GMT

The stadium is close to full now. National anthems rehearsed, flags raised, and tension rising. Kick-off is just over an hour away. And the teams have arrived:





🕑 14:40 GMT

The pitch is in excellent condition and weather conditions are ideal for football. Expect Morocco to dominate possession, while Tanzania will likely sit compact and look to break quickly.




🕑 14:30 GMT

Reminder of the stakes: this is win-or-go-home football. Morocco have been eliminated at the Round of 16 in two of the last three AFCON editions, while Tanzania are seeking to extend a historic run.




🕑 14:20 GMT

Warm-up pitches are busy. Tanzania’s players look relaxed, clearly embracing the underdog role, while Morocco’s squad go through a focused and intense session under the watchful eye of Walid Regragui.




🕑 14:10 GMT

Team buses are beginning to arrive at the stadium. Moroccan supporters are out in large numbers, draped in red and green, while Tanzania’s small but vocal contingent make themselves heard. There is the place for everyone to watch the match:

 




🕑 14:05 GMT 

The knockout atmosphere is already building in Rabat as fans start arriving early at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah.

Hosts Morocco are preparing for another high-pressure afternoon, while Tanzania soak in the occasion of their first-ever Round of 16 appearance.

 



🕑 14:00 GMT – Live Blog Begins

Good afternoon and welcome to our live blog coverage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, as the competition moves decisively into the Round of 16 today, Sunday 4 January 2026.


After a gripping group stage that delivered late drama, historic qualifications and finely balanced standings, Africa’s biggest football showpiece now enters its knockout phase, where there is no margin for error.


Hosts Morocco headline today’s action against debutants Tanzania at 16:00 GMT in Rabat, before South Africa and Cameroon renew a storied rivalry under the lights at 19:00 GMT, with quarter-final places at stake.


The group phase saw favourites assert their authority, emerging nations seize history, and several qualifiers decided only in the final round of matches, setting the tone for a high-stakes elimination run.


Throughout the day, we will bring you live updates in blog format, tracking every key moment, tactical shift and turning point as they happen, with all timings listed in GMT.
Settle in and stay with us as AFCON 2025 enters its most unforgiving chapter, where ambition, belief and nerve will define who stays and who goes.