Algeria booked their place in the knockout stages, Sudan reignited Group E with a shock win, and Mozambique made history with their first-ever AFCON finals victory, as drama unfolded at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire Share Spoils in Marrakech
Cameroon and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire played out a thrilling 1–1 draw in their second Group F fixture in Marrakesh, with neither side able to find a decisive edge after 90 pulsating minutes.
Junior Tchamadeu’s deflected strike midway through the second half cancelled out a moment of brilliance from Amad Diallo, whose stunning effort had given the Ivorians the lead.
The opening exchanges were tight and tactical. Cameroon came close after 20 minutes when Christian Kofane’s powerful header rattled the crossbar. Côte d’Ivoire thought they had gone ahead just before halftime when captain Franck Kessié volleyed home, but the goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up.
The match burst into life after the restart. Diallo broke the deadlock by cutting inside from the right and curling a sublime left-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Devis Epassy. Cameroon responded swiftly, Tchamadeu striking five minutes later, his effort taking a deflection off Ghislain Konan to restore parity.
Both teams pushed for a winner, but despite late pressure, the deadlock remained. The draw leaves Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire level on four points ahead of the final group matches on New Year’s Eve.
Algeria Edge Burkina Faso to Seal Knockout Spot
Captain Riyad Mahrez’s composed penalty was enough to secure Algeria a 1–0 win over Burkina Faso and confirm their place in the Round of 16.
Algeria moved to six points at the top of Group E, while Burkina Faso remain second on three points, level with Sudan. The contest was physical and intense, forcing Algeria into an early substitution when Juan Hadjam was injured and replaced by Baghdad Bounedjah.
The decisive moment came in the 23rd minute when Rayan Aït-Nouri was fouled in the box. Mahrez stepped up and calmly converted. Algeria created further chances through Mohamed Amoura, Ibrahim Maza, and Aït-Nouri, but failed to extend their lead.
Burkina Faso threatened through substitute Georgi Minoungou, whose curling effort narrowly missed, but Algeria’s disciplined defending saw them over the line.
Sudan Shock Equatorial Guinea to Blow Group E Open
Sudan claimed a vital 1–0 victory over Equatorial Guinea on a cold night in Casablanca, securing their first AFCON finals win since 2012 and throwing Group E wide open.
The match remained finely balanced until the 74th minute, when a dangerous Sudanese cross forced defender Saúl Coco into an own goal. Sudan, playing for survival after a heavy opening defeat, showed resilience and discipline throughout.
Goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid produced a commanding performance as Sudan absorbed sustained pressure before striking decisively. The win sets up a winner-takes-all clash against Burkina Faso on New Year’s Eve.
Mozambique End Long Wait with Historic AFCON Win
Mozambique finally ended their AFCON drought with a historic 3–2 victory over Gabon, claiming their first-ever win at the finals after six previous appearances.
Faizal Bangal opened the scoring with a powerful header, before Geny Catamo doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Gabon pulled one back through veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang just before halftime.
Mozambique restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half when Diogo Calila headed home from close range. Gabon mounted a late comeback, with Alex Moucketou-Moussounda scoring in the closing stages, but goalkeeper Ernan Siluane produced crucial saves to secure the win.
The final whistle confirmed a landmark moment for the Mambas, ending nearly four decades without an AFCON victory.
