AFCON 2025 Timetable Day 8: Bafana Bafana in Do-or-Die Clash as Morocco and Egypt Continue Quest

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has reached a fever pitch as the group stages enter their final round.

After a well-deserved rest day on Christmas followed by a weekend of high-octane football, today’s quadruple-header will finalise the standings for Groups A and B.

Following a dramatic Sunday that saw Mozambique secure their first-ever AFCON win and Algeria qualify for the knockouts, all eyes are now on the heavyweights and their neighbouring rivals.

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The headline fixture of the afternoon takes place in Marrakech at 5:00 PM local time. This Southern African showdown is a win-or-go-home scenario for Zimbabwe’s Warriors.

Currently sitting at the bottom of Group B with just one point, Zimbabwe must secure a victory to have any hope of reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, led by Hugo Broos, sit in second place with three points. A draw will be enough to guarantee them a spot in the knockout stages, but given the fierce regional rivalry, neither side is likely to play for a point. Expect a high-intensity battle where pride and tournament survival are equally on the line.

Playing simultaneously in Agadir, the record seven-time champions, Egypt, face Angola. The Pharaohs have been clinical so far, with Mohamed Salah scoring the winners in both of their opening matches.

While Egypt has already secured the top spot in Group B, they will be looking to maintain their 100% record heading into the next round.

Angola, however, are a dangerous opponent. After drawing with Zimbabwe, the Palancas Negras are currently third and need a result against the giants to leapfrog South Africa or secure a spot as one of the best third-placed teams.

In the evening, the action shifts to Rabat at 8:00 PM local time. The host nation, Morocco, takes on Zambia in a clash of former champions.

The Atlas Lions are currently top of Group A but are coming off a testing 1-1 draw against Mali. With a passionate home crowd behind them, Walid Regragui’s men will be eager to put on a dominant display and confirm their status as tournament favourites.

Zambia, the 2012 winners, have drawn both of their opening games. They possess incredible attacking flair and will view this as the ultimate opportunity to cause a massive upset and secure their passage to the next stage.

Closing out the night in Casablanca, Comoros faces Mali in a decisive Group A encounter. Mali has looked like one of the most balanced teams in the tournament, remaining unbeaten after two games.

Comoros, the darlings of the 2021 edition, find themselves winless and desperate. To recreate the magic of their historic run three years ago, they must find a way to breach a disciplined Malian defense that held the hosts to a draw on Matchday 2.