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INT
AFCON 2025
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Day two of AFCON 2025 just delivered the kind of drama tournaments are made of. Last-gasp goals, underdog heroics, and historic victories turned what could've been routine matches into edge-of-your-seat entertainment that has everyone talking.
The Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2025, moved into high gear on Monday as Groups A and B took centre stage.
From a historic drought breaking win for South Africa to a late night rescue mission by Zambia, the second day of the tournament lived up to the TotalEnergies billing.
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Here's how the action unfolded across the stadiums of Morocco.
Group A: Zambia deny Mali at the death
The early kickoff saw Mali and Zambia battle to a 1-1 draw in a match defined by tactical discipline and a frantic finish. Mali dominated much of the possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 61st minute when Lassine Sinayoko fired into the roof of the net to put Mali in the lead.
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It appeared the Eagles were cruising to the top of Group A alongside hosts Morocco. However, Zambia's Chipolopolo refused to fold. In the second minute of stoppage time, Leicester City striker Patson Daka rose highest to meet a desperate cross, powering a header into the net to salvage a vital point.
The result means both teams sit on one point each, with Morocco leading the group after their opening day victory over Comoros.
Group B: Bafana Bafana end a 21-year curse
In the evening's most emotional fixture, South Africa secured a hard fought 2-1 victory over Angola. For Bafana Bafana, the win was more than just three points. It marked their first victory in an AFCON opening match since 2004, ending a 21 year wait.
Oswin Appollis opened the scoring with a curling effort that sent the travelling South African fans into a frenzy. Angola leveled the score before the break through a powerful strike by Show, setting up a nervous second half.
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Lyle Foster settled the nerves in the 79th minute, smashing home a screamer into the top corner to secure the win. The Burnley striker's moment of brilliance temporarily put South Africa at the top of Group B before Egypt's late drama unfolded.
Group B: Egypt survives a scare
The record seven time champions, Egypt, survived a massive fright in their opener against Zimbabwe. The Warriors took a shock lead in the 20th minute via Prince Dube, who exploited a rare gap in the Egyptian defense to silence the crowd in Agadir.
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Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi put on a heroic performance, denying Egypt time and again as the Pharaohs dominated possession but struggled to break through. Egypt finished the match with 79 percent possession and 34 shot attempts, yet found themselves trailing at halftime.
However, the Pharaohs' experience eventually told. Omar Marmoush equalized in the 64th minute after receiving a brilliant long pass on the wing and striking directly into the net. Despite a quiet night by his standards, Mohamed Salah scored a last gasp winner in the 90th minute to complete the comeback, securing a 2-1 result that puts Egypt level with South Africa at the top of Group B.
The numbers behind the drama
Monday's action produced some remarkable statistics. Egypt's dominance against Zimbabwe was staggering on paper, with 77 percent possession, eight big chances, and 35 shots to Zimbabwe's eight, yet they needed until the dying moments to secure victory. Zambia's Patson Daka scored his goal in the 92nd minute, making it one of the latest equalisers in recent AFCON history.
South Africa's victory over Angola was particularly sweet given their recent struggles in tournament openers. The last time they won their first match at an AFCON was two decades ago, making this result a significant psychological boost for Hugo Broos' side.
The Road Ahead: Heavyweights enter the fray
The tournament intensity is set to rise on Tuesday as the Group of Death contenders begin their campaigns. Senegal starts their title charge, and all eyes will be on Nigeria as they look to justify their status as pre tournament favorites.
Group D
DR Congo vs Benin – 12:30pm GMT
Senegal vs Botswana – 3:00pm GMT
Group C
Nigeria vs Tanzania – 5:30pm GMT
Tunisia vs Uganda – 8:00pm GMT
After two days of action, one thing is clear: this AFCON is delivering on its promise of drama, late goals, and unpredictable results. And we're only just getting started.