AFCON 2025: Today's Full Match Guide for Group Stage Action

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has officially shifted into high gear as the group stages unfold.

Following a festive opening night in Rabat where the host nation, Morocco, secured a 2–0 victory over Comoros, the focus today, December 22, 2025, turns to a triple-header that promises to set the tone for Groups A and B.

The afternoon action will begin in the heart of Casablanca at the legendary Stade Mohammed V, where Mali and Zambia meet in a fixture that could dictate the trajectory of Group A.

With the Atlas Lions already sitting on three points, the pressure is immense for these two sides to avoid falling behind early in the race for the knockout rounds.

Mali enter the competition with one of the most physically imposing squads in the tournament, anchored by a midfield composed of seasoned professionals competing at the highest levels of European football.

Their tactical discipline will be put to the ultimate test against a Zambian side that has undergone a significant tactical revival under their current leadership.

The Chipolopolo are desperate to prove that their 2012 championship spirit is still alive, and they rely on a high-pressing game designed to force errors from technically proficient opponents like the Malians

The spotlight will then shift to the Grand Stade de Marrakech for a compelling Southern African derby between South Africa and Angola.

This match serves as the curtain-raiser for Group B and carries with it years of regional rivalry and mutual respect.

Bafana Bafana arrive in Morocco with a squad that emphasises domestic chemistry, largely built around a core of players who have tasted continental success at the club level.

They face a Palancas Negras team from Angola that has become notoriously difficult to beat, specialising in a compact defensive shape that transitions into lightning-fast counter-attacks.

For South Africa, the challenge lies in breaking down a low block without leaving themselves vulnerable to the pace of Angola’s wide players.

In a group that features the formidable presence of Egypt, neither side can afford to drop points in their opening fixture.

The day’s festivities conclude in Agadir at the Adrar Stadium, where the most successful nation in AFCON history, Egypt, start their campaign against a resilient Zimbabwe.

The Pharaohs are on a persistent quest to reclaim the trophy that has eluded them since 2010, and the presence of Mohamed Salah remains the focal point of their ambitions.

Egypt’s approach is expected to be dominant from the first whistle, utilising their technical superiority to pin Zimbabwe back.

However, the Warriors of Zimbabwe have earned a reputation in previous editions, often frustrating top-tier nations. As the final match of the evening, this contest will likely be the most-watched of the day, as fans look to see if the seven-time champions can make an early statement of intent or if Zimbabwe can provide the tournament’s first major upset in Agadir.

Mali vs. Zambia (Group A)

Time: 3:00 PM Local (Morocco/CET)

Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca

South Africa vs Angola (Group B)

Time: 6:00 PM Local (Morocco/CET)

Venue: Grand Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech

Egypt vs. Zimbabwe (Group B)

Time: 9:00 PM Local (Morocco/CET)

Venue: Adrar Stadium, Agadir