Africa: Afcon Daily Live Blog - Rolling Updates of the Day's Action, Events and Key Moments

With a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin, Senegal finishes at the top of Group D, and Benin - despite the defeat - also progresses to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in Morocco.

What's Next

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 continues tomorrow with more group-stage action as the tournament gathers momentum across the host cities.

Stay with us for daily live blogs, match action, analysis and reaction, all timed in GMT, from Africa's biggest football stage. Good night!

๐Ÿ“Š DAY 2 SUMMARY (21:58 GMT)

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  • Mali 1-1 Zambia (Group A)
  • South Africa 2-1 Angola (Group B)
  • Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe (Group B)

21:57 GMT - FULL-TIME

Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe

A professional opening victory for the Pharaohs, who go joint top of Group B after the first round of matches.

21:52 GMT

Egypt see out the closing minutes with composure, drawing on their vast AFCON experience.

21:50 GMT

GOAL:!!!! Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe. Mohamed Salah puts Egypt in the lead with just minutes left. Salah's left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. He was assisted by Mostafa Mohamed with a headed pass..

21:29 GMT

GOAL:!!!! Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe. Omar Marmoush (Egypt) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Mohamed Hamdy.

๐Ÿ” SECOND HALF

21:10 GMT

Second half underway. Egypt will be looking to equalise while Zimbabwe will be seeking to maintain their advantage.

20:53 GMT - HALF-TIME

Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe

A balanced first half. Egypt controlled the ball, Zimbabwe executed their game plan well. Fine margins likely to decide this contest.

20:20 GMT

GOAL:!!!! Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe. We have a shock - Prince Dube has given Zimbabwe a shock lead here with left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Emmanuel Jalai with a cross.

โšฝ KICK-OFF

20:00 GMT

Egypt 0-0 Zimbabwe

We are underway in Agadir. Egypt kick off their Group B campaign.

19:50 GMT

The atmosphere inside Stade Adrar is building. Fans from across Africa are filling the stands, with Egyptian supporters particularly vocal ahead of kick-off.

19:40 GMT

Team news confirms Mohamed Salah leads Egypt's attack, while Zimbabwe star Jalai starts in what could be an important AFCON appearance.

LlNE-UPS ๐Ÿ“‹The Pharaohs and The Warrior's starting 11 for group B's opener. ๐Ÿ‘‡#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/UbW7v8daUK-- TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025

19:30 GMT

Zimbabwe, returning to the finals after missing the previous edition, are aiming to make a strong statement. They have never progressed beyond the group stage but arrive motivated and eager to challenge one of Africa's giants.

19:20 GMT

Egypt arrive under familiar expectations. The Pharaohs are the most successful nation in AFCON history and enter this tournament determined to mount a serious title challenge once again.

19:10 GMT

Focus now shifts to Agadir, where record seven-time champions Egypt begin their TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 campaign against Zimbabwe in the final match of Day 2.

๐Ÿ”ด LIVE BLOG - EGYPT vs ZIMBABWE (Group B)

๐Ÿ“ Stade Adrar, Agadir

๐Ÿ•— Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

โญ๏ธ COMING UP NEXT (GMT)

๐Ÿ•— 20:00 - Egypt vs Zimbabwe (Group B)

๐Ÿ“ Stade Adrar, Agadir

Stay with us for continued live updates, build-up, match action and reaction as Day 2 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 continues.

19:00 GMT - FULL-TIME

South Africa 2-1 Angola

Bafana Bafana begin their campaign with this important win ahead of Egypt vs Zimbabwe later tonight.

๐ŸŽฅ HIGHLIGHTS: ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฑ 1-1 ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฒAll square between Mali and Zambia in their first #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 match. ๐Ÿค pic.twitter.com/eSf3xwR9hM-- TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025

18:42 GMT

GOAL:!!!! South Africa 2, Angola 1. Lyle Foster scores for South Africa with right footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Tshepang Moremi.

๐Ÿ” SECOND HALF

18:10 GMT

Second half underway. South Africa look more direct, Angola maintaining structure while waiting for openings.

17:54 GMT - HALF-TIME

South Africa 1-1 Angola

A balanced first half in Marrakech. South Africa controlled the ball, Angola executed their game plan well. Fine margins likely to decide this contest.

17:35 GMT

GOAL:!!!! South Africa 1, Angola 1. Show scored with a right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Fredy with a cross following a set piece situation.

17:22 GMT

GOAL:!!!! South Africa 1-0 Angola. Oswin Appollis right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Lyle Foster.

17:20 GMT

Angola show early intent on the counterattack, forcing South Africa's backline into quick decisions. No clear chances yet.

17:10 GMT

A cautious opening from both sides. South Africa probing patiently, Angola compact and well-organised in defence.

โšฝ KICK-OFF

17:00 GMT

South Africa 0-0 Angola

We are underway in Marrakech. Angola kick off as Group B action begins.

16:50 GMT

Team news filtering through suggests both sides are close to full strength. Warm-ups are underway under clear skies in Marrakech, with conditions perfect for football.

16:40 GMT

Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle has spoken of humility but insists his side is fearless. The Palancas Negras are aiming for a strong start in what they know is a highly competitive group.16:30 GMT

Bafana Bafana coming in. You already know there's a song involved. ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/J19VFxitD6-- TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025

Bafana Bafana's preparations were disrupted by a long and demanding journey into Morocco, but coach Hugo Broos has been clear: travel issues will not be used as an excuse. The starting line-ups for both teams are here

LlNE-UPS ๐Ÿ“‹Starting XI for The Bafana Bafana & The Palancas Negras ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ด#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/MsfhAoFPos-- TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025

16:20 GMT

South Africa arrive on a 26-match unbeaten run, a statistic that underlines the growing belief within Hugo Broos' squad. Angola, however, have warned they are ready to challenge any opponent in this competition.

16:10 GMT

Attention now turns to Group B, where South Africa and Angola prepare to open their TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 campaigns in Marrakech. With Egypt and Zimbabwe also in the group, this fixture could prove decisive later in the tournament.

๐Ÿ”ด LIVE BLOG - SOUTH AFRICA vs ANGOLA (Group B)

๐Ÿ“ Stade de Marrakech

๐Ÿ•” Kick-off: 17:00 GMT

โญ๏ธ COMING UP TODAY (GMT)

๐Ÿ•” 17:00 - South Africa vs Angola (Group B)

๐Ÿ•— 20:00 - Egypt vs Zimbabwe (Group B)

Stay with us for continued live updates, match action and reaction throughout Day 2 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

16:00 GMT - FULL-TIME

Mali 1-1 Zambia

A disciplined, hard-fought draw to open Group A. Both teams take a point and remain firmly in the race as AFCON 2025 continues.

15:50 GMT

GOAL: Mali 1-1: Late pressure from Zambia, and Mali could contain the pressure and remain resolute. Patson Daka (Zambia) header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Mathews Banda with a cross.

15:22 GMT

GOAL: Mali 1-0 Zambia: Lassina Sinayoko fires into the roof of the net to put Mali in the lead. Mali respond with sharper passing and quicker movement in midfield. The tempo has increased noticeably.

๐Ÿ” SECOND HALF

15:10 GMT

Second half underway. Zambia start with renewed energy, pressing higher up the pitch.14:53 GMT

Half-time: Mali 0-0 Zambia: Late surge before the break from both teams, but no breakthrough yet. Tactical chess match so far. An interesting match after Toure had his penalty saved by Zambia goalkeeper Mwanza.

14:40 GMT

Mali push forward with intent, probing down the flanks. Zambia holding firm under pressure.14:20 GMT

Zambia threaten on the break, but Mali's defensive shape remains solid. Midfield battles intense.14:10 GMT

A lively start. Mali enjoying more possession, while Zambia press aggressively and look to counter quickly.

โšฝ KICK-OFF

14:00 GMT

Mali 0-0 Zambia

We are underway in Casablanca. Zambia kick off the 35th edition of AFCON group action.

13:50 GMT

The stadium continues to fill as anticipation builds. A crucial opening three points are at stake for both sides.

13:40 GMT

Warm-ups are over. Mali look calm and organised, while Zambia's intensity is immediately noticeable.

13:30 GMT

Team buses already arrive at Stade Mohammed V earlier. The players headed straight to the dressing rooms before taking to the pitch for the warm-ups. The line-ups for both teams are out:

LlNE-UPS ๐Ÿ“‹This is how The Eagles and The Chipolopolo's are showing up to their first #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 game. ๐Ÿ’ช pic.twitter.com/6XzFcmt0gH-- TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025

13:20 GMT

Zambia captain Fashion Sakala says experience will be key: "We are mentally and tactically ready. This tournament demands focus from the first minute."

13:10 GMT

Mali midfielder Aliou Dieng earlier stressed that words will mean little at this AFCON: "We will show everything on the pitch."

13:00 GMT

Both teams are have arrived in the stadium. Tactical discipline versus direct attacking play could define this opening contest.

The journey starts as Zambia arrive for their first #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 game. ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฒ pic.twitter.com/holQImDXsO-- TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025

Mali step into the moment ahead of #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‘‹#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/D675E4kINP-- TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025

12:50 GMT

CAF officials confirm pitch and weather conditions are ideal for football. A fast surface is expected to suit both teams' styles.

The Chipolopolo dressing room awaits the players' arrival. ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ™Œ#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/GLhNLP4A71-- TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025

12:40 GMT

Supporters from both nations are filtering into the stadium, adding colour and noise to Casablanca's AFCON atmosphere. Flags, chants and drums echo around the venue. This is how the stadium looks before it gets busy.

A look inside Stade Mohammed V ahead of Mali vs. Zambia clash. ๐ŸŸ๏ธ#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/AKIF1ZqZNu-- TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025

12:30 GMT

Zambia, AFCON champions in 2012, are embracing their underdog status. Coach Musa Sichone says his side is "here for results, not participation", with pace and intensity central to their approach.

12:20 GMT

Mali arrive with ambition and belief. Runners-up in 1972, the Eagles are determined to finally lift the trophy after several near-misses. Coach Tom Saintfiet has spoken of discipline, focus and respect for the opposition. This is Mali dressing room ahead of today's match:

Preparation begins here, inside Mali's dressing room. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฑ#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/BuYwxT98LJ-- TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025

12:10 GMT

This fixture marks only the second AFCON meeting between Mali and Zambia. Their previous encounter came in the 1994 semi-finals, when Zambia recorded a commanding 4-0 victory.

12:05 GMT

Good afternoon from Morocco. Matchday preparations are underway at Stade Mohammed V as Mali and Zambia get set to open their TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 campaigns. Both sides are chasing a strong start in a competitive Group A.

12:00 GMT

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 enters Day 2 with three compelling group-stage fixtures as Africa's biggest football celebration continues across the Kingdom.

Following hosts Morocco's 2-0 victory over Comoros in the opening match, attention now turns to Mali vs Zambia, South Africa vs Angola, and Egypt vs Zimbabwe, as teams begin their quest for early momentum.

If you missed yesterday great goal from Ayoub El Kaabi:

In case you missed it the first time, or didn't believe it. Yes, it's real. Ayoub El Kaabi did that. ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ’จ#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/SpYsEHxcoV-- TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025

Or you want to watch it from a better angle:

This is cinema. This is #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฆ#WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/NdmLc8HKqQ-- TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025

This CAFOnline.com live blog brings you live updates, key talking points, quotes, atmosphere and key match action as it happens throughout the day.

But for the minute-by-minute reporting on goals, line-ups, substitutions and major talking points as the tournament unfolds, you can visit our dedicated AFCON match centre for each match for the live play-by-play updates on the matches.

All kick-off times and updates are listed in GMT. Stay with us as AFCON 2025 unfolds.

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