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LIVE: AFCON 2025 - Rolling updates of today’s action and key moments (5 January)

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🏁 21:05 GMT –  | Looking ahead to tomorrow

That brings tonight’s live blog to a close after an action-packed Round of 16 day at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

The knockout stage continues to deliver drama, quality and decisive moments as the race for continental glory intensifies.

Attention now turns to tomorrow’s final Round of 16 fixtures, where two heavyweight clashes await:

  • Algeria vs DR Congo

  • Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso

With quarter-final places on the line, expect another day of high stakes, tension and unforgettable AFCON moments as the last two teams book their place in the final eight.

Thank you for staying with us throughout today’s live coverage. Good night, and join us again tomorrow for the final Round of 16 matches as the road to the AFCON 2025 trophy continues.

🏁 21:00 GMT –  Full-time – Nigeria march on in style

Nigeria capped a dominant night in Fès with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique, delivering one of their most complete performances of the tournament.

Victor Osimhen led the charge with a clinical brace, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams added a goal apiece to underline the Super Eagles’ attacking depth and ruthlessness.

The scoreline was matched by the quality of the display. Nigeria controlled the tempo from start to finish, mixing intensity with intelligence, and punished every opening with precision.

Lookman’s creativity shone through with two assists, while Akor Adams also weighed in with two assists, highlighting the team’s balance and unselfishness in the final third.

Mozambique, valiant in their historic AFCON campaign, were ultimately outclassed by Nigeria’s pace, movement and cohesion.

For the Super Eagles, this emphatic win sends a clear message to the rest of the competition: they are peaking at the right time.

Nigeria advance to the quarter-finals brimming with confidence, momentum firmly on their side as the knockout stage sharpens and the road to glory narrows.



🏁 20:59 GMT – FULL-TIME

The final whistle is blown in Fès.

Nigeria 4–0 Mozambique



🕗 20:55 GMT 

Ademola Lookman has made AFCON history, becoming the first player since Didier Drogba in 2008 to register four assists in a single tournament.



🕗 20:50 GMT 

Nigeria keep possession deep in Mozambique’s half, limiting the chances of a late comeback. 

 




🕗 20:45 GMT 

Mozambique throw everything forward in search of a goal that could reignite the contest. Nigeria remain disciplined, clearing their lines and running down the clock intelligently.




🕔 20:40 GMT – GOAL NIGERIA

Nigeria 4, Mozambique 0. Akor Adams scores for Nigeria with a right-footed shot from the right side of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Ademola Lookman following a fast break.

 

🕗 20:35 GMT

Nigeria begin to play on the counter, exploiting the spaces left as Mozambique commit more players forward. Osimhen continues to be a constant threat with his movement and hold-up play.



🕖 20:27 GMT 

Nigeria have surged to the top of the attacking charts in this tournament, scoring 11 goals so far — edging past Senegal’s 10 — to underline their growing firepower and intent as the tournament gathers momentum.



🕔 20:12 GMT – GOAL NIGERIA

Nigeria 3, Mozambique 0. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) left footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Ademola Lookman.

🕗 20:10 GMT – SECOND HALF UNDERWAY

The second half is underway. Mozambique restart knowing they need a big response, while Nigeria look to manage the game with maturity and control.

🕗 19:52 GMT – HALF-TIME

 

The referee brings the first half to an end at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

Nigeria 2–0 Mozambique

Nigeria take a commanding lead into the break thanks to goals from Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen. The Super Eagles have been sharp, clinical and dominant, while Mozambique have struggled to contain Nigeria’s pace and movement in the final third.




🕖 19:40 GMT

First real warning from Mozambique. A dangerous cross flashes across the six-yard box, but Nigeria scramble clear. The underdogs remain disciplined and organised.




🕖 19:30 GMT 

Nigeria begin to increase the tempo. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman link up well in the final third, but Mozambique’s compact defensive block continues to frustrate.




🕔 19:28 GMT – GOAL NIGERIA

Nigeria 2, Mozambique 0. Victor Osimhen doubles Nigeria's lead with a right footed tap in from very close range.



🕔 19:23 GMT – GOAL NIGERIA

Nigeria 1, Mozambique 0. Ademola Lookman puts the Super Eagles in the lead with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Akor Adams.



🕖 19:10 GMT (10’)

A lively opening from both sides. Nigeria dominate possession early, pushing Mozambique deep, while the Mambas look to break quickly whenever space opens up.

🕖 19:04 GMT – KICK-OFF

The match is underway at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Mozambique get us started in white, with Mozambique in their traditional green shirts. A place in the quarter-finals is on the line.



🔜 Up next – Nigeria vs Mozambique (19:00 GMT)

Attention now shifts to Fès, where Nigeria face Mozambique in the final Round of 16 encounter of the day.

Kick-off is coming up shortly, and we’ll bring you live updates as the Super Eagles look to continue their impressive campaign against a fearless Mozambican side making history of their own.

Stay with us for all the action.



🏁 18:43 GMT – FULL-TIME (After Extra Time)

The match is over in Agadir.
Egypt 3–1 Benin (after extra time)

Egypt’s quality and experience eventually told in extra time as the seven-time champions found the decisive breakthrough to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

Despite long spells of Egyptian dominance, Benin showed immense courage, organisation and belief, pushing the Pharaohs all the way beyond 90 minutes and refusing to fold under pressure. The Cheetahs exit the tournament with pride, having once again proven they can compete with Africa’s elite on the biggest stage.

For Egypt, the journey towards a record-extending eighth AFCON title continues, with their composure and depth ultimately making the difference when it mattered most.



🕔 18:42 GMT – GOAL EGYPT

Egypt 3, Benin 1. Mohamed Salah put the result beyond doubt with left footed shot from outside the box following a fast counter attack in what seems like the last kick of the game.



🕕 18:35GMT – Benin show resilience

Benin remain organised and brave under pressure, repelling wave after wave of Egyptian attacks. Goalkeepers at both ends stay alert as Egypt lead.



🕕 18:30 GMT – EXTRA TIME (Second half) underway

The second period of extra time begins. Egypt push forward with renewed urgency, while Benin continue to defend resolutely.



🕕 18:25 GMT – End of first half of extra time

The referee brings the first half of extra time to a close.
Egypt 2–1 Benin

Tension building as legs grow heavier.



🕔 18:17 GMT – GOAL EGYPT

Egypt 2, Benin 1. Yasser Ibrahim (Egypt) header from the centre of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Marwan Attia following a corner.



🕕 18:10 GMT – EXTRA TIME BEGINS (First half)

Extra time is underway at the Stade Adrar. Egypt restart, looking to use their experience, while Benin remain compact and disciplined.



🕕 18:05 GMT – Preparing for extra time

Players gather around their coaches as instructions are delivered. Fatigue is evident, but focus remains sharp with a quarter-final place still on the line.



🕕 18:00 GMT – END OF REGULATION TIME

Full-time after 90 minutes in Agadir.
Egypt 1–1 Benin

Neither side could be separated in normal time, and this Round of 16 tie will be decided in extra time.




🕕 17:58 GMT – FULL-TIME

Full-time in Agadir after 90 minutes.
Egypt 1–1 Benin

With the game at a draw in regulation time, and this Round of 16 encounter will require extra time to determine who advances to the quarter-finals.



🕔 17:43 GMT – GOAL BENIN

Egypt 1, Benin 1. Jodel Dossou has restored Benin with right footed shot from very close range after the Egyptian goalkeeper struggled at the first attempt from an inswinger.



🕔 17:30 GMT – GOAL EGYPT

Egypt 1, Benin 0. The deadlock has finally been broken. Marwan Attia puts Egypt in the lead in this tight game with a right-footed shot from outside the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Mohamed Hany.



🕔 17:21 GMT – Game finely balanced

An hour played and the match remains finely poised. Egypt continue to control the ball, but Benin’s defensive block remains difficult to break down.



🕔 17:15 GMT – Egypt press higher

Egypt push higher up the pitch, pressing aggressively as they search for an opening. Benin defend resolutely, absorbing pressure.



🕔 17:06 GMT – Second half underway

The second half kicks off with Egypt looking to inject urgency. Benin resume with the same compact approach, knowing patience could be rewarded.



🕔 16:50 GMT – HALF-TIME

Half-time in Agadir.
Egypt 0–0 Benin

A tense, tactical opening 45 minutes. Egypt have dominated possession, but Benin’s organisation and discipline have kept the Pharaohs at bay.




🕓 16:45 GMT – End-to-end spell

Five minutes to half-time and the contest becomes more stretched. Egypt push numbers forward, while Benin threaten on quick transitions.




🕓 16:40 GMT – Half-chances at both ends

The game opens slightly, with Benin venturing forward on the counter. Egypt respond with sustained pressure, but the breakthrough still eludes them.




🕓 16:30 GMT – Egypt step up the tempo

Egypt begin to increase the pace, with Salah drifting inside to link play. Benin remain organised, blocking passing lanes and limiting space in the final third.



🕓 16:20 GMT – Benin hold firm

Twenty minutes played and Benin are holding their shape well and even attemtping to attack. Egypt probe down the flanks, but clear chances are limited so far.



🕓 16:10 GMT – Early Egyptian control

As expected, Egypt enjoy early possession, moving the ball patiently across midfield. Benin sit deep, compact and disciplined, looking to frustrate the Pharaohs.



🕓 16:00 GMT – KICK-OFF

The match is underway in Agadir. Benin get us started against Egypt, with 90 minutes — or more — separating both sides from a quarter-final place.



🕑 15:50 GMT – Almost time

Kick-off is fast approaching at the Stade Adrar. Final instructions are being delivered in both camps as the Round of 16 atmosphere reaches its peak. The national anthems are being played as both teams are out on the pitch.



🕑 15:40 GMT – Players warm up

Both teams are out on the pitch for their pre-match warm-ups. Mohamed Salah looks relaxed and focused, while Benin’s players go through drills with intensity and purpose. The line-ups are out:

 

🕑 15:30 GMT – Tactical expectations

Egypt are expected to dominate possession and territory, while Benin will likely rely on defensive organisation, quick transitions and set pieces to threaten.

 

🕑 15:20 GMT – Crowd growing in Agadir

Supporters from both nations are now well represented inside the stadium. Egyptian fans are in full voice, while Benin’s travelling support adds colour and rhythm to the build-up.



🕑 15:10 GMT – Quarter-final pathway in sight

The winner of this match will book a place in the quarter-finals and take another step toward continental glory. In knockout football, margins are thin and patience could be decisive.




🕑 15:00 GMT – One hour to kick-off

Just one hour to go until kick-off in Agadir. Team news is expected shortly, with Egypt likely to recall several key players after rotating in their final group match. The team have arrived in the stadium




🕑 14:50 GMT – Benin embrace underdog role

Benin coach Gernot Rohr insists his side have nothing to fear. Having already made history by reaching the knockouts, the Cheetahs are playing with freedom and belief.

🕑 14:40 GMT – Egypt eye history

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has spoken repeatedly about the “eighth star”, and with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both well rested, the Pharaohs will expect to control proceedings this evening.

🕑 14:30 GMT – Venue check

The Stade Adrar in Agadir is bathed in late-afternoon sunshine, with supporters steadily filling the stands. Conditions are ideal for football, with a lively atmosphere building ahead of kick-off.

🕑 14:20 GMT – Egypt’s pedigree vs Benin’s belief

Seven-time champions Egypt progressed unbeaten from the group stage, while Benin secured qualification with their first-ever AFCON open-play victory. History favours the Pharaohs, but the Cheetahs have shown they are capable of upsetting heavyweights.



🕑 14:10 GMT – Knockout tension builds

This is the third matchday of the Round of 16, and already the knockout phase has delivered drama, extra time and penalty shoot-outs. Egypt arrive chasing a record eighth AFCON title, while Benin are aiming to relive their historic 2019 run.



🕑 14:00 GMT 

Welcome to Agadir as we begin live coverage of today’s Round of 16 clash between Egypt and Benin at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Two nations with contrasting ambitions meet with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.






🕑 13:50 GMT – Live blog opens

Welcome to our live blog coverage of Matchday Three of the Round of 16 at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.


Today, Monday 5 January 2026, the knockout drama continues with two high-stakes encounters as the competition moves deeper into its decisive phase, where every mistake can end a journey.

The group stage delivered drama, late twists and historic breakthroughs, setting the tone for a Round of 16 already marked by upsets, penalty shoot-outs and narrow margins.

 This afternoon, seven-time champions Egypt face an ambitious Benin side in Agadir at 16:00 GMT, before Nigeria take on tournament debutants Mozambique under the lights in Fès at 19:00 GMT.

With quarter-final places on the line, pedigree meets belief and experience clashes with fearlessness. Throughout the day, we will bring you rolling live updates, key moments and context as the action unfolds.

All updates will follow in real time, with timings displayed in GMT, so settle in and enjoy another decisive day at AFCON Morocco 2025.