AFCON 2025: Group Stage Intensifies as Heavyweights Collide in Blockbuster Duels

Rabat — The 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco shifts into high gear this weekend as the second round of group-stage matches delivers a series of heavyweight clashes and historic rivalries that could begin to shape the road to the knockout phase.

Following an opening round filled with goals, late drama and early statements of intent, the tournament now enters a phase where pedigree, psychology and pressure matter as much as form. With margins already razor-thin across the groups, the next set of fixtures could separate genuine contenders from those chasing survival.

The opening round produced 29 goals across 12 matches, alongside six clean sheets—evidence of a finely balanced competition between attacking ambition and defensive discipline. From Friday, reputations will be tested as Africa’s most decorated sides collide and regional derbies add extra edge to already high-stakes encounters.

Egypt vs South Africa: A Familiar Heavyweight Duel

Friday’s headline fixture sees Egypt take on South Africa in a clash steeped in AFCON history. Meetings between the two have often shaped tournament narratives, and this encounter promises no less.

Both sides opened with victories—Egypt once again leaning on Mohamed Salah’s decisive influence, while South Africa edged Angola thanks to late composure and Lyle Foster’s calm finish. With three points apiece, the match carries significant weight in the battle for top spot in Group B.

Beyond tactics, it is a contest defined by pedigree: seven-time champions against a side that has repeatedly shown its ability to unsettle Africa’s elite. Earlier in the day, Angola and Zimbabwe—both beaten in their openers—face a must-win encounter.

Morocco at Home, Mali Brimming with Talent

Later on Friday, hosts Morocco meet Mali in a fixture rich in symbolism and quality. Morocco arrive buoyed by home support and early composure, carrying the confidence of being Africa’s first-ever World Cup semi-finalists.

Mali, however, bring a squad packed with athleticism, intensity and technical skill. Brahim Díaz’s opener underlined Morocco’s attacking threat, but Mali’s midfield energy—led by the tireless Lassine Sinayoko—ensures this will be anything but routine. A positive result for Mali would significantly alter the balance in Group A. Zambia face Comoros in the group’s other fixture.

Senegal vs DR Congo: Power Meets Discipline

Saturday’s clash between Senegal and DR Congo in Tangier promises another bruising contest. Both sides arrive with confidence after opening-round wins and clean sheets.

Senegal asserted authority through Nicolas Jackson’s brace and Iliman Ndiaye’s control of tempo, while DR Congo impressed with tactical maturity and defensive organisation. With elite talent across both squads, the outcome could prove decisive in determining control of Group D. Benin take on Botswana in the group’s other match.

Nigeria vs Tunisia: Pedigree and Pressure

Saturday night brings together two tournament specialists as Nigeria face Tunisia. The Super Eagles, runners-up at the last AFCON, opened their campaign with a composed display, with Ademola Lookman once again delivering in key moments.

Tunisia arrive with momentum of their own, having completed a flawless qualifying campaign and followed it with an assured opening win powered by Mohamed Elias Achouri’s clinical edge. It is a meeting of disciplined, streetwise sides rarely overwhelmed by occasion.

Cote d’Ivoire vs Cameroon: Rivals Renewed

Sunday’s encounter between defending champions Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon is steeped in rivalry. Victory would hand the Elephants firm control of Group F, but Cameroon’s narrow opening win once again highlighted their trademark resilience.

With attacking talents such as Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo already influential, the fixture promises intensity, emotion and quality in equal measure.

Derbies and Danger Elsewhere

Elsewhere, the regional derby between Tanzania and Uganda adds another layer of intrigue. Neighbours with deep familiarity, their encounters are traditionally fiery and unpredictable, often defying form.

Algeria’s meeting with Burkina Faso also carries major implications. Algeria’s emphatic opening performance, inspired by Riyad Mahrez, meets a Burkina Faso side buoyed by late drama and belief. Victory for either would all but secure qualification.

A Tournament Sharpening Quickly

After just one round, AFCON 2025 already feels unforgiving. Established contenders are being tested early, while emerging sides continue to show ambition and resilience.

As rivalries resurface and heavyweight squads collide, the second round promises not only spectacle, but clarity—revealing who is ready to push deep into the tournament, and who may already be running out of room for error.

Second Round Group Stage Fixtures

Friday, 26 December

• 12:30 GMT: Angola vs Zimbabwe (Group B)
• 15:00 GMT: Egypt vs South Africa (Group B)
• 17:30 GMT: Zambia vs Comoros (Group A)
• 20:00 GMT: Morocco vs Mali (Group A)

Saturday, 27 December

• 12:30 GMT: Benin vs Botswana (Group D)
• 15:00 GMT: Senegal vs DR Congo (Group D)
• 17:30 GMT: Uganda vs Tanzania (Group C)
• 20:00 GMT: Nigeria vs Tunisia (Group C)

Sunday, 28 December

• 12:30 GMT: Gabon vs Mozambique (Group F)
• 15:00 GMT: Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan (Group E)
• 17:30 GMT: Algeria vs Burkina Faso (Group E)
• 20:00 GMT: Cote d’Ivoire vs Cameroon (Group F)