AFCON 2025 Matchday 2 Review: Egypt South Africa Claim Narrow Victories

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The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continued to gather momentum with high drama, late goals and intense contests as Matchday 2 delivered decisive moments across Morocco.

The tournament kicked off on Sunday, December 21, with host nation Morocco setting the pace through a composed 2-0 victory over Comoros. Attention then shifted to Monday, December 22, where three fixtures produced two wins and a pulsating draw, further raising the competitive stakes at AFCON 2025.

Egypt opened their campaign with a nervy but vital 2-1 win against Zimbabwe, sealed by a dramatic stoppage-time strike from captain Mohamed Salah.

The seven-time champions were stunned early in Agadir when Zimbabwe took the lead in the 20th minute. Prince Dube controlled Emmanuel Jalai’s delivery before calmly finishing past the Egyptian goalkeeper. Egypt responded with sustained pressure and eventually found an equaliser shortly after the hour mark, as Omar Marmoush cut inside from the left and thundered a shot into the top corner.

Despite missing several opportunities to put the game to bed — including a close-range header from substitute Zizo — Egypt kept pushing. Their persistence paid off deep into added time when Salah displayed quick footwork inside the area, turned sharply and fired home to secure all three points.

The victory extended Egypt’s impressive AFCON run, leaving them unbeaten in their last 11 tournament matches and maintaining a perfect record against Zimbabwe at the finals. Once again, Salah proved decisive, leading his side in both shots and chances created.

South Africa also made a winning start, grinding out a 2-1 victory over Angola in Marrakesh after a fiercely contested encounter.

Bafana Bafana began brightly and were rewarded in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis burst into the box and drilled a low effort into the corner. Angola responded strongly and drew level before halftime, with Show converting Fredy’s free-kick to mark his 50th international appearance.

The second half unfolded at a frantic tempo. South Africa had a goal ruled out by VAR, struck the crossbar and continued to press relentlessly. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 79th minute when Lyle Foster curled a brilliant finish beyond Hugo Marques to ignite celebrations among South African fans.

Despite enduring a frustrating night, the Burnley striker delivered when it mattered most. South Africa now shift focus to a blockbuster encounter with Egypt on Boxing Day, while Angola prepares to face Zimbabwe.

Earlier on Monday, Mali and Zambia shared the spoils in a thrilling 1-1 draw.

Mali dominated large spells and were left to regret missed chances after El Bilal Touré failed to convert a first-half penalty. They eventually took the lead in the 61st minute when Lassine Sinayoko reacted quickest to a loose ball and fired home.

However, Zambia refused to fold. In the second minute of stoppage time, Patson Daka struck late to snatch a crucial point and keep his side firmly in the race for qualification.