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LIVE BLOG: Rolling AFCON updates of the day’s action, events and key moments

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MATCHDAY 3 CONCLUDES

With Tunisia’s narrow victory, Matchday 3 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 comes to a close, setting the stage for the next round of group action. Good night.

 

 

 

 

 



21:58 GMT — FULL-TIME - TUNISIA 3-1 UGANDA 

Tunisia start their campaign with an impressive win over the Cranes of Uganda. The Carthage Eagles claim three valuable points to conclude Matchday 3, while Uganda are left to regroup ahead of their next Group C fixture.



21:54 GMT — GOAL! TUNISIA 3-1 UGANDA 

Denis Omedi scores with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner to restore some hope for Uganda. 




21:26 GMT — GOAL! TUNISIA 3-0 UGANDA 

Elias Achouri (Tunisia) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box to the bottom right corner.




21:07 GMT — SECOND HALF KICKS OFF

The second half begins with renewed urgency as both teams seek to make early impact.



20:49 GMT — HALF-TIME

Half-time: Tunisa 2–0 Uganda
A disciplined first-half display from Tunisia. The Carthage Eagles will look to raise intensity after the break after dominating the first half.





20:40 GMT — GOAL! TUNISIA 2-0 UGANDA

Elias Achouri on target for Tunisia with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Ali Abdi.



20:10 GMT — GOAL! TUNISIA 1-0 UGANDA

Ellyes Skhiri puts Tunisia in the lead with a header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Hannibal Mejbri with a cross following a corner.



20:00 GMT — KICK-OFF

The match is underway in Rabat. Tunisia get Matchday 3’s final contest started against Uganda.




19:45 GMT — TOURNAMENT UPDATE

This is Tunisia’s 22nd AFCON appearance, while Uganda return to the finals for the first time since 2019. Group C remains finely balanced after earlier results.




19:40 GMT — TEAM ARRIVALS

Both teams have already arrived at the stadium and completed their warm-ups. Tunisia appear calm and focused; Uganda’s delegation is greeted warmly by its travelling fans.



19:35 GMT — STADIUM BUILD-UP UNDERWAY

The Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympique Annex is filling steadily as supporters from both nations take their seats. The atmosphere is building for a fixture rich in AFCON history.




19:30 GMT — TRANSITION: FOCUS SHIFTS TO RABAT

Attention now turns to Rabat for the final match of Matchday 3, where Tunisia face Uganda in a crucial Group C encounter that could shape the early standings.



🔴 LIVE BLOG | MATCHDAY 3 — FINAL FIXTURE

Tunisia vs Uganda – Group C
📍 Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympique Annex
⏰ All times GMT






19:20 GMT — FULL-TIME

Full-time in Fes:
Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania




18:42 GMT — GOAL! NIGERIA 2-1 TANZANIA 

Ademola Lookman restores Nigeria's lead almost instalty with left footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Alex Iwobi.



18:40 GMT — GOAL! NIGERIA 1-1 TANZANIA 

Nigeria 1, Tanzania 1. Charles M'Mombwa (Tanzania) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Novatus Miroshi.



18:35 GMT — SECOND HALF KICKS OFF

The second half gets underway with Nigeria restarting play, knowing patience and precision will be key.



18:20 GMT — HALF-TIME

Half-time: Nigeria 1–0 Tanzania
A disciplined first-half display from Tanzania but Nigeria lead. The Super Eagles will look to raise intensity after the break after dominating the first half.




18:06 GMT — GOAL! NIGERIA 1-0 TANZANIA 

Nigeria continue to probe, switching play from flank to flank as Tanzania stay organised and look to break on the counter. Semi Ajayi scores for Nigeria with a header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Alex Iwobi with a cross following a corner.




17:40 GMT — EARLY NIGERIAN PRESSURE

Nigeria dominate possession in the opening exchanges, pushing Tanzania deep as they look to assert their experience early in the tournament.



17:35 GMT — TOURNAMENT NOTE

This is Nigeria’s 21st AFCON appearance, while Tanzania are contesting successive finals for the first time, highlighting contrasting journeys converging under the Moroccan lights.

 

17:30 GMT — KICK-OFF IN FES

The match is underway. Nigeria get the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group C encounter started against Tanzania in front of a lively crowd in Fes.



17:30 GMT — OFFICIAL KICK-OFF 

Kick-off is scheduled for 17:30 GMT, with Nigeria aiming to impose their experience early and Tanzania looking to defy history and announce themselves on the continental stage.




17:25 GMT — TEAMS ARRIVING AT THE STADIUM

The Nigeria and Tanzania squads enter the pitch at the Fes Stadium, greeted by growing crowds and a vibrant atmosphere as fans take their seats.

 

 



17:20 GMT — GROUP C IN FOCUS

Group C action resumes shortly, with Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions and runners-up at the last edition, opening their campaign against a Tanzania side seeking their first-ever AFCON win.



17:15 GMT — SENEGAL SET THE STANDARD

Earlier in Tangier, reigning champions Senegal delivered a statement performance with a convincing victory over Botswana, raising the bar for teams still to play today.




17:10 GMT — MATCHDAY MOMENTUM SHIFTS TO FES

Attention now turns to Fes, where anticipation is steadily building ahead of Nigeria vs Tanzania, the third match of Matchday 3 in Group C.

 

🔴 LIVE BLOG | MATCHDAY 3 CONTINUES

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations – Morocco 2025
📍 Fes Stadium
⏰ All times GMT

 




16:57 GMT — FULL-TIME

Full-time in Tangier:
Senegal 3–0 Botswana

The former champions make a commanding start to their TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 campaign, securing three points and setting an early marker in Group D.




16:51 GMT — GOAL (Senegal 3–0 Botswana)

GOAL! Senegal put the result beyond doubt with a third goal, capping a dominant display and underlining their credentials as title contenders. Cherif Ndiaye (Senegal) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Cheikh Sabaly.



16:35 GMT

Botswana continue to fight, refusing to drop their intensity despite the scoreline. The Zebras look to exploit transitions, but Senegal’s defensive structure holds firm.



16:19 GMT 

 

GOAL!!!!!: Senegal 2-0 Botswana.Nicolas Jackson scores for (Senegal) with left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Ismaïla Sarr.



16:05 GMT — SECOND HALF KICK-OFF

The second half is underway. Botswana restart knowing one moment could shift the balance, while Senegal aim to manage the game and add to their lead.




15:55 GMT — TOURNAMENT UPDATE

Elsewhere at AFCON 2025, early group-stage matches continue to underline the fine margins across the tournament, reinforcing head coach Pape Thiaw’s pre-match warning that no game can be taken lightly.




15:51 GMT — HALF-TIME

Half-time in Tangier: Senegal head into the break with a 1–0 lead, having controlled possession and tempo, while Botswana remain competitive and organised.

 

15:40 GMT 

 

GOAL!!!!!: Senegal 1-0 Botswana.Nicolas Jackson (Senegal) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ismail Jakobs.



15:00 GMT — KICK-OFF

We are underway in Tangier as Senegal vs Botswana kicks off the reigning champions’ TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 campaign. You can follow the live play-by-play action of the match here. And the stadium in Fes is also ready for tonight's action between Nigeria and Tanzania.

 

 



14:58 GMT

Final handshakes completed. Senegal’s captain Kalidou Koulibaly leads his side out, while Botswana captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe marshals a team eager to make history.



14:52 GMT 

Teams emerge for the national anthems. Senegal and Botswana line up on the pitch as the anthems ring out inside the Grand Stade de Tanger.




14:50 GMT

Tournament note: Senegal have won their opening match in each of their last five AFCON appearances, a streak they will be keen to extend as former champions.

 



14:45 GMT 

This fixture marks Botswana’s return to Africa’s biggest football stage after a 13-year absence, while Senegal begin their title chase with expectations firmly on their shoulders. The starting line-ups:





14:40 GMT

The Grand Stade de Tanger continues to fill steadily, with Senegalese supporters prominent in the stands, joined by Botswana fans making their first AFCON appearance since 2012. When Bakambu spots the legend, respect is mutual




14:30 GMT (30 minutes to kick-off)

Attention now shifts to Tangier, where former champions Senegal prepare to open their AFCON 2025 campaign against Botswana in Group D.




🔴 LIVE BLOG | MATCHDAY 3

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations – Morocco 2025
📍 Grand Stade de Tanger
⏰ All times GMT





 

 

 

14:28 GMT — FULL-TIME

Full-time in Rabat: DR Congo 1-0 Benin. The opening fixture of Matchday 3 is complete with the Congolese winning 1-0 thanks to the first half goal by Théo Bongonda. Click here to read the full match report. 

 




14:26 GMT

We are into the final stretch. Benin search for the equaliser; DR Congo look to turn pressure into maintaining their lead.



14:20 GMT

Competition note: later today, eyes will turn to Senegal, Nigeria, and Tunisia as heavyweight names enter the stage — but for now, Rabat remains the focus.



14:10 GMT

The intensity rises as the match moves into its decisive phase — this is the window where AFCON openers often swing on one incident.




13:35 GMT

GOAL OVERTURNED BY VAR: Cédric Bakambu (Congo DR) scores but the goal is ruled out after a VAR review.



13:33 GMT — SECOND HALF KICK-OFF

The second half begins, with both teams aware that a single goal could transform their opening AFCON night.



13:20 GMT — HALF-TIME

Half-time in Rabat: DR Congo and Benin head into the break with the Congolese in the lead. it was controlled contest and one big moment after the break could decide it.



13:00 GMT

Across Morocco, Matchday 3 continues to build the tournament picture — opening games often shape confidence as much as they shape the table.



12:45 GMT

GOAL!!!!!: DR Congo 1-0 Benin. Théo Bongonda (Congo DR) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Arthur Masuaku.

 

 



12:40 GMT

Early phase marked by cautious probing — both teams testing shape and spacing rather than forcing risks in the opening minutes.



⚽ DR CONGO vs BENIN (Group D)

12:30 GMT — KICK-OFF

We are underway in Rabat as DR Congo vs Benin launches today’s Matchday 3 programme. For the live play-by-play of this match click here.



12:25 GMT

The teams take their final positions. Kick-off is moments away in Rabat.

12:20 GMT

A reminder of the storyline: this is Benin’s chance to make an immediate statement on their return, while DR Congo chase the kind of opening win that can set a deep tournament run in motion.




12:15 GMT (15 minutes to kick-off)

Teams emerge for the national anthems: DR Congo and Benin walk out to a loud reception, with the formal build-up complete and focus narrowing to the first whistle.



12:10 GMT

Final preparations on the pitch as coaches deliver last instructions. Group-stage openers are often tight — and Group D offers little margin for error.



12:00 GMT

Warm-ups begin in Rabat. Both sides look sharp, with Benin expected to stay structured while DR Congo aim to impose tempo and physicality.



11:50 GMT

Competition-wide: the tournament’s early matches have already underlined AFCON’s familiar promise — intensity, fine margins, and the kind of moments that can shift a group quickly.



11:40 GMT

Supporters continue to stream in — flags, drums and colour building the atmosphere as Rabat plays its part in Morocco’s month-long AFCON festival.



11:30 GMT

DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre says only one player will miss out, as the Leopards balance experienced leaders with a group of AFCON debutants.



11:20 GMT

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr confirms pre-match that five players are suspended, but insists his side will “compensate collectively” and remain competitive.



11:10 GMT

Tournament note: AFCON 2025 is the 35th edition of Africa’s flagship competition and will run until 18 January 2026, with matches spread across multiple Moroccan cities.



11:00 GMT (1h30 to kick-off)

Teams arrive at the stadium: DR Congo and Benin roll into the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah complex, greeted by growing pockets of fans and a steady media presence.



10:50 GMT

In Rabat, the stage is set for a contest of contrasting styles: DR Congo’s physical intensity against Benin’s compact organisation and tactical discipline. Lets check out the DR Congo dressing room:




10:40 GMT

Matchday 3 also brings first appearances for some of the tournament’s biggest names, with reigning champions Senegal in action later and Nigeria set to begin their campaign in Fes.



10:30 GMT

Group D already looks like one of the tournament’s toughest pools — featuring Senegal, DR Congo, Benin and Botswana — meaning early points could be decisive. The Al Madina Stadium is ready:




10:20 GMT

Today’s opening fixture carries added edge: Benin are back at AFCON after missing the last two editions, while DR Congo arrive with momentum after finishing fourth at AFCON 2023. And the pitch is ready:




10:10 GMT

Morocco’s host cities continue to hum with AFCON energy, with fan zones, cafés and public squares filling up early as supporters plan their routes for another busy day of football. Sengal fans are at the Tangiers stadium early:




10:00 GMT

Welcome to Matchday 3 at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Four matches are on the schedule today, beginning in Rabat at 12:30 GMT with DR Congo vs Benin in Group D.

 

 



🔴 LIVE BLOG | MATCHDAY 3

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations – Morocco 2025
📅 Tuesday, 23 December 2025
⏰ All times GMT

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 continues today with Matchday 3, as four group-stage fixtures unfold across the host nation.

From Rabat to Tangier and Fes, Africa’s biggest football celebration gathers momentum with nations seeking early control of their groups.

This live blog brings you news from the AFCON, events, press conferences, match context, statistics and atmosphere and more from Morocco.

For the you minute-by-minute updates, visit our dedicated AFCON page.

With four matches scheduled, today promises drama, history and decisive early moments. Stay with us throughout the day as events unfold, updated every ten minutes, all in GMT.