AFCON: Mali hold Morocco in Rabat as Egypt Seal Knockout Qualification

Mali frustrated tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat, while Zambia and Comoros played out a goalless draw, Mohamed Salah fired Egypt into the knockout stages, and Angola and Zimbabwe shared the points in a busy day of action at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

Morocco 1–1 Mali

Morocco and Mali settled for a 1–1 draw in a fiercely contested Group A encounter in Rabat, leaving qualification for the Round of 16 to be decided on the final matchday.

As in their opening fixture, the Atlas Lions dominated possession in the first half but struggled to penetrate a compact and disciplined Malian defence. Their patience was rewarded deep into stoppage time when VAR adjudged a handball in the area, allowing Brahim Díaz to calmly convert from the spot.

Mali emerged from the interval with renewed belief and drew level just after the hour mark. Lassina Sinayoko was fouled in the box and confidently dispatched the resulting penalty to restore parity.

Morocco pressed hard for a winner, raising the tempo and introducing fresh attacking options, but Mali’s resilience held firm. The draw leaves both sides well placed ahead of the decisive final round, with Morocco set to face Zambia and Mali preparing to take on Comoros.

Zambia 0–0 Comoros

Zambia and Comoros played out a tense but goalless draw at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca in Group A.

Both teams approached the match cautiously, with a physical midfield battle dominating proceedings. Comoros came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute when Mzean Maoulida scored, but the effort was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.

Despite enjoying long spells of possession, especially in the second half, Comoros were unable to convert their dominance into goals, while Zambia defended resolutely to secure a valuable point.

The result leaves Zambia on two points, with Comoros picking up their first of the tournament. Qualification remains open heading into the final round, where Comoros face Mali and Zambia meet hosts Morocco.

Egypt 1–0 South Africa

Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty was enough to send Egypt through to the knockout stages as they edged South Africa 1–0 at the Grand Stade d’Agadir.

The match was evenly balanced and low on clear chances until VAR intervened just before half-time, awarding Egypt a penalty after Khuliso Mudau fouled Salah. The captain made no mistake, converting confidently for his second goal of the tournament.

Egypt were reduced to ten men early in the second half when Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card, forcing the Pharaohs to defend deep. South Africa dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Egyptian back line, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy producing a composed display.

Late drama followed when South Africa appealed for a stoppage-time penalty, but VAR upheld the referee’s decision.

The victory moves Egypt to six points in Group B, making them the first team to book a place in the Round of 16. South Africa must now win their final group match to guarantee qualification.

Angola 1–1 Zimbabwe

Angola and Zimbabwe shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw at the Stade de Marrakech, leaving both sides still in search of their first win of AFCON 2025.

Angola struck first midway through the opening half, Gelson Dala finishing clinically after a defence-splitting pass from Tó Carneiro. Zimbabwe responded in first-half stoppage time when Knowledge Musona capitalised on a swift counter-attack to level the scores.

Angola dominated possession after the break and created several chances but could not find a decisive goal, while Zimbabwe remained a threat on the counter.

With the points shared, both teams remain firmly in contention, but their hopes of progression now hinge on strong performances in the final round of group matches.