Here is your comprehensive wrap of all the Matchday 1 action from Groups A and B.
Group B: Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
Salah Seals Late Comeback in Agadir The record seven-time champions, Egypt, survived a major scare at the Stade Adrar. Zimbabwe stunned the Pharaohs in the 20th minute when Prince Dube clinicaly turned in the box to fire the "Warriors" into a shock lead.
Egypt dominated possession but grew increasingly frustrated by the heroics of Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi. The breakthrough finally came in the 64th minute when Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush unleashed a thunderous strike into the roof of the net. With the game heading for a draw, Mohamed Salah proved his legendary status, swivelling in the 91st minute to strike a left-footed winner that sent Agadir into a frenzy.
Group B: South Africa 2-1 Angola
Lyle Foster Ends 21-Year Opening Hoodoo In the group’s earlier kick-off at Marrakech, South Africa secured their first opening-match victory at an AFCON tournament since 2004. Oswin Appollis gave Bafana Bafana the lead in the 21st minute with a precise low finish, but Angola hit back before the break through a clever flick-on by Show.
The second half saw a VAR-dominated stretch where Tshepang Moremi had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside. However, Burnley striker Lyle Foster settled the contest in the 79th minute, curling a magnificent effort from the edge of the box to secure all three points for Hugo Broos' men.
Group A: Mali 1-1 Zambia
Daka’s Diving Header Rescues Chipolopolo In Casablanca, Zambia snatched a dramatic point against a dominant Mali side. The "Eagles" of Mali controlled the tempo and should have led in the first half, but El Bilal Touré saw his penalty saved by Zambian keeper Willard Mwanza.
Mali eventually found the net in the 62nd minute through Lassine Sinayoko, and it appeared they would join hosts Morocco at the top of Group A. However, deep into stoppage time (90+2'), Leicester City’s Patson Daka connected with a diving header from a Mathews Banda cross to ensure the points were shared.
AFCON 2025 STANDINGS (End of Dec 22)
Group A
1. Morocco — 3 pts (+2 GD)
2. Mali — 1 pt (0 GD)
3. Zambia — 1 pt (0 GD)
4. Comoros — 0 pts (-2 GD)
Group B
1. South Africa — 3 pts (+1 GD)
2. Egypt — 3 pts (+1 GD)
3. Angola — 0 pts (-1 GD)
4. Zimbabwe — 0 pts (-1 GD)
WHAT'S NEXT? (Tuesday, Dec 23)
The focus now shifts to Group C and D as the defending champions and the Super Eagles enter the fray:
• DR Congo vs. Benin — 12:30 PM WAT
• Senegal vs. Botswana — 3:00 PM WAT
• Nigeria vs. Tanzania — 6:30 PM WAT
• Tunisia vs. Uganda — 9:00 PM WAT