AFCON 2025: Morocco, Egypt, Mali and South Africa Seal Round of 16 Places

Ayoub El Kaabi’s clinical double powered Morocco to a commanding Group A victory on a decisive night at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, as Mali squeezed into the knockout stage, Egypt topped their group despite being held, and South Africa survived a late scare to reach the last 16.

Morocco 3–0 Zambia: El Kaabi inspires Atlas Lions to top Group A

Morocco delivered a statement performance in front of their home fans, sweeping aside Zambia 3–0 to finish top of Group A with seven points.

The hosts set the tempo early and were ahead inside nine minutes when Ayoub El Kaabi rose highest to head in from a cleverly worked short corner delivered by Azzedine Ounahi. Morocco continued to dominate and doubled their lead in the 27th minute as Ounahi again pulled the strings, releasing Abde Ezzalzouli down the left before Brahim Diaz calmly finished from close range.

Any lingering hopes of a Zambian comeback were ended shortly after the break. El Kaabi struck his second in spectacular fashion, acrobatically converting another Ounahi delivery with a bicycle kick. Though initially ruled out, VAR confirmed the goal, sealing both the win and top spot.

“We achieved our objective by finishing first,” said El Kaabi, who was named Man of the Match. “Now the real competition begins.”

Mali 0–0 Comoros: Ten-man Eagles grind their way through

Mali booked their place in the knockout rounds after a tense goalless draw with Comoros, a result that was enough to see them finish second in Group A.

The Eagles controlled large spells of the match but struggled to break down a disciplined Comorian side, who threatened on the counter and nearly snatched a winner late on. Mali’s task became harder in the 88th minute when Amadou Haidara was sent off for a dangerous challenge, but they held firm to secure the point they needed.

Mali advance with three points from three draws, while Comoros exit the tournament with two points, narrowly missing out on qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.

Angola 0–0 Egypt: Pharaohs finish top despite Angola pressure

Egypt finished top of their group after a hard-fought 0–0 draw with Angola in Agadir, a match that saw the Palancas Negras dominate much of the play but fail to convert their chances.

Angola struck the woodwork through Fredy and repeatedly tested Egypt’s defence, but the Pharaohs’ organisation and discipline ensured they remained unbeaten. Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan admitted his side were pragmatic, rotating his squad while doing enough to secure top spot.

Angola, despite finishing with just two points, were left hoping their performances might still be rewarded with progression depending on other results.

South Africa 3–2 Zimbabwe: Bafana Bafana hold nerve after late scare

South Africa booked their place in the knockout stages after edging Zimbabwe 3–2 in a pulsating Group B encounter.

Bafana Bafana made a fast start through Tshepang Moremi, but Zimbabwe hit back with a superb solo effort from Tawanda Maswanhise. Lyle Foster restored South Africa’s lead early in the second half, before Oswin Appollis converted a VAR-awarded penalty to seemingly put the game beyond reach.

Zimbabwe refused to fold, pulling one back through an Aubrey Modiba own goal and piling on pressure late on. South Africa, however, defended resolutely to see out the win and finish second in the group with six points, while Zimbabwe bowed out with one point despite a spirited display.

As the group stage draws to a close, Morocco, Mali, Egypt and South Africa march into the knockout rounds, setting the stage for a fiercely contested last-16 phase as the race for continental glory intensifies.