AFCON 2025: Morocco Seek Top Spot, Egypt Aim to Maintain Momentum, Mali Face Comoros with Qualification at Stake

The group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 reaches its decisive phase this Monday, with crucial fixtures scheduled in Groups A and B. Qualification for the round of 16 remains wide open in several groups, promising an intense evening of football across Moroccan stadiums.

Mali and Comoros Battle for a Place in the Knockout Stage

After holding Morocco to a 1–1 draw in the second round of Group A, Mali return to action on Monday against Comoros at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca. Currently second in the group with two points, Mali hold a slight advantage but will need to stay alert against a resilient Comoros side.

The Comoros have already shown their fighting spirit by securing a draw against Zambia, keeping their qualification hopes alive. With all four teams in Group A still in contention, the suspense remains high heading into the final round.

Egypt Already Qualified, Angola Fighting to Survive

Egypt, the first team to officially qualify for the round of 16 at AFCON 2025, will face Angola in the final Group B fixture. The Pharaohs lead the group with a perfect record of six points, following solid victories over Zimbabwe (2–1) and South Africa (1–0).

Angola, currently third with one point, have no margin for error. After losing to South Africa and drawing with Zimbabwe, the Palancas Negras must win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

South Africa and Zimbabwe in a High-Stakes Encounter

The other Group B match will see South Africa take on Zimbabwe at 17:00 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. Second in the group with three points, Bafana Bafana are aiming to bounce back after their defeat to Egypt.

A victory would guarantee South Africa qualification without relying on other results. Zimbabwe, bottom of the group with one point, will be looking to disrupt the standings and revive their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.

Morocco Target Group Leadership Against Zambia

After conceding a 1–1 draw against Mali last Friday, Morocco will face Zambia on Monday, December 29, in Rabat for the final Group A match. The Atlas Lions will be aiming for victory to secure first place in their group.

The draw against Mali ended Morocco’s impressive streak of 19 consecutive international victories, increasing the pressure ahead of this decisive encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Speaking after the Mali match, national team coach Walid Regragui addressed the situation of Achraf Hakimi, saying: “We may recover Achraf Hakimi for the knockout stage, but we will see if he can play against Zambia on Monday.”