AFCON 2025 Day 9 roundup: El Kaabi’s bicycle kick & late Marvelous penalty that broke Zimbabwe

AFCON 2025 just gave us the highlight reel we needed. Day nine delivered Youssef El Kaabi's absolutely outrageous bicycle kick and a late South Africa penalty that crushed Zimbabwe's dreams in the cruellest fashion possible.

Day 9 of the Africa Cup of Nations delivered everything tournament football promises, stunning goals, dramatic penalties, red cards, and a Southern African derby that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Here's what you missed from the chaos in Morocco.

Morocco's Magic: El Kaabi's goal that stopped the world

The Atlas Lions reminded everyone why they're hosting this tournament with a statement 3-0 demolition of Zambia in Rabat. But one moment transcended the scoreline.

Ayoub El Kaabi's overhead kick in the second half was pure poetry, the kind of goal that gets replayed on highlight reels for decades. 

Social media exploded instantly. "Goal of the tournament" doesn't do it justice; some are calling it one of the greatest AFCON goals ever scored.

El Kaabi netted twice on the night, but it's that acrobatic strike that will define his tournament legacy, regardless of what happens next. 

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz added a third goal, making it three goals in three games for the Spanish-born Moroccan star.

Morocco finished Group A as winners with seven points, confirming their status as favourites to lift the trophy on home soil.

Mali's Survival Act: Nine Minutes of Terror

While Morocco coasted, Mali sweated through a nerve-shredding finale against Comoros. After 80 minutes of frustrating stalemate, disaster struck, Amadou Haidara saw red in the 89th minute, leaving Mali to defend with ten men.

The final whistle couldn't come fast enough. The 0-0 draw was enough to send Mali through in second place, but only just. With three draws from three matches, they've qualified without winning a single game, a route that rarely inspires confidence but keeps hope alive.

Zambia and Comoros, meanwhile, pack their bags and head home, their AFCON dreams over before the knockout stages even begin.

The Derby That Had Everything: South Africa 3-2 Zimbabwe

If you only watch one match from the group stages, make it this one. The Southern African neighbours delivered a five-goal thriller in Marrakesh that swung wildly from start to finish. 

Tshepang Moremi gave Bafana Bafana an early lead, but Zimbabwe refused to lie down, fighting back in a pulsating contest that had fans of both nations suffering heart palpitations.

Then came the defining moment: a "moment of madness" from Zimbabwe's Marvelous Nakamba. His late handball in the box gifted South Africa a penalty with minutes remaining. 

Oswin Appollis stepped up under crushing pressure and buried it, sending his team through to the Round of 16 and Zimbabwe home in heartbreak.

The 3-2 victory wasn't just about qualification, it was pride, rivalry, and regional bragging rights decided in the most dramatic fashion possible.

Egypt Rests, Angola Settles

In Agadir, the narrative was entirely different. Egypt, already through as group winners, decided to rest key players including captain Mohamed Salah. 

The result? A tactical, cautious 0-0 draw with Angola that satisfied both teams.

The Pharaohs finished Group B with 7 points, preserving their stars for the knockout rounds where the real tournament begins. Angola earned a respectable point but exited the competition.

What Happens Next?

Day 10 brings the final group stage matches for Groups C and D, with Nigeria aiming to maintain their perfect record against Uganda, while Senegal faces Benin in what could determine who tops Group D.

The knockout stages loom, and after today's drama, anything feels possible.