Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to the Round of 16 as the Pharaohs became the first team to secure knockout-stage qualification at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
Elsewhere, Mali held hosts Morocco in Rabat, Zambia and Comoros shared the spoils in a goalless draw, while Angola and Zimbabwe played out a 1–1 stalemate in Marrakech.
Morocco 1–1 Mali
Morocco and Mali played out a tense 1–1 draw in their 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 break down a compact and disciplined Malian side. Their persistence paid off deep into first-half stoppage time when VAR awarded Morocco a penalty for handball, which Brahim Díaz calmly converted.
Mali emerged from the interval with renewed confidence and drew level just after the hour mark when Lassina Sinayoko was fouled in the area and converted the resulting spot kick himself.
Morocco pushed for a winner, increasing the tempo and introducing fresh attacking options, but Mali’s resilient defence held firm. Morocco will face Zambia in their final group match, while Mali take on Comoros, with both sides still firmly in contention for qualification.
Zambia 0–0 Comoros
Zambia and Comoros settled for a goalless draw at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca in their second Group A fixture.
The match was played at high intensity, with a fierce midfield battle dominating proceedings. Comoros thought they had taken the lead in the 19th minute through Mzean Maoulida, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
Comoros enjoyed long spells of possession, particularly in the second half, but were unable to turn their dominance into goals against a well-organised Zambian defence. Zambia, meanwhile, defended resolutely to earn a valuable point.
The result leaves Zambia on two points, while Comoros pick up their first of the tournament. Qualification remains open heading into the final round, with Zambia set to face hosts Morocco and Comoros taking on Mali.
Egypt 1–0 South Africa
Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty proved decisive as Egypt edged South Africa 1–0 at the Grand Stade d’Agadir to book their place in the knockout stages.
The contest was tight and evenly balanced, with few clear chances, until VAR intervened just before half-time to award Egypt a penalty after Khuliso Mudau fouled Salah in the box. The captain converted confidently for his second goal of the tournament.
Egypt were reduced to ten men shortly after the restart when Mohamed Hany was sent off for a second bookable offence. South Africa dominated possession thereafter, but a disciplined Egyptian defence, led by Yasser Ibrahim and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, stood firm.
A late South African appeal for a penalty was waved away following a VAR review. Egypt move to six points in Group B and secure qualification with a game to spare, while South Africa must win their final fixture to guarantee progression.
Angola 1–1 Zimbabwe
Angola and Zimbabwe shared the points in a 1–1 draw in their Group B clash at the Stade de Marrakech.
Angola took the lead midway through the first half when Gelson Dala finished clinically after a defence-splitting pass from Tó Carneiro. Zimbabwe responded in first-half stoppage time as 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 winner, while Zimbabwe remained dangerous on the counter.
With the draw, both sides remain without a win at AFCON 2025, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stages dependent on strong performances in the final round of group matches.
