After a week of competition, the 2025 African Cup of Nations has already made some people happy… and some disappointed. The second day of the group stage ended this Sunday with three teams qualified for the round of 16 and three eliminated.
Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria qualified
Scorer for the third time since the start of the CAN – no one has scored as many – Riyad Mahrez allowed Algeria to beat Burkina Faso this Sunday (1-0). By scoring from a penalty, the captain of the Fennecs led his team to qualification for the round of 16. Better yet, she is certain to finish at the top of her group and challenge Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo or Benin in the next round.
After its success against South Africa on Friday (1-0), Egypt also booked its ticket for the round of 16 of the competition. There too it was a case of penalty, converted by Mohamed Salah.
Finally, Nigeria also advanced to the next round by beating Tunisia on Saturday evening (3-2). Morocco will have to wait, since it conceded a draw against Mali on Friday (1-1).
Three teams already eliminated
For Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, scorer in his team’s defeat against Mozambique on Sunday (3-2), it’s already over. This result, combined with the draw between Cameroon and Ivory Coast (1-1), condemned the selection of the Marseille striker.
The same goes for Equatorial Guinea, beaten this Sunday by Sudan after an own goal (1-0). Botswana, defeated by Benin on Saturday (1-0), is also eliminated.
And show Adola Lookman
The Super Eagles striker delivered a top performance this Saturday against Tunisia. With two assists and a goal, he was involved in each of Nigeria’s goals (3-2 success). Named best player of the match, he made an excellent start to the CAN after having already scored in his team’s inaugural victory against Tanzania (2-1).
An arbitration controversy
This match between Nigeria and Tunisia was also the scene of an arbitration controversy. While the Super Eagles led 2-0, Tunisian Hannibal Mejbri was the victim of a violent tackle from Junior Ajayi, who could have received a red card but escaped.
The referee immediately whistled a foul, rather than giving the advantage, while the Tunisian Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane headed straight towards the goal in the continuity of the action. The latter was in turn the victim of a foul, after the exit of the Nigerian goalkeeper and his very strong tackle. There too, no red card.
Mbappé and the Blues in the stands
The Real Madrid striker responded to the invitation of Achraf Hakimi, with whom he established a friendship at PSG, and went to Rabat to watch Morocco’s draw against Mali (1-1). Kylian Mbappé even wore the right-back jersey for the occasion.
“It’s a pleasure to see my friend in my country,” said Achraf Hakimi at a press conference. Mbappé really likes Morocco, he comes here often. He enjoys the country, the food. I’m very happy that he came to watch the match. »
Kylian Mbappé also found himself in the stands during the match between Ivory Coast and Cameroon, Sunday evening in Marrakech. Just like two of his partners in the French team: Jules Koundé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, also present.
Tribute to Jean-Louis Gasset
Before the Ivory Coast-Cameroon kick-off, a minute of silence was observed in tribute to Jean-Louis Gasset. The former Elephants coach died this Friday at the age of 72.
He had also been Laurent Blanc’s assistant at the Girondins de Bordeaux, the French team and PSG. He has held the position of head coach at several French clubs, such as Montpellier, OM and Saint-Étienne.
Worth a look
