From hope to disenchantment. Morocco, host of the African Cup of Nations (CAN), was defeated by the Malian football selection (1-1), Friday December 26, in Rabat, for its second meeting of the group stage. After a first success against the Comoros (2-0) in the opening match, the Atlas Lions had the opportunity – in the event of another victory – to qualify for the round of 16 and preserve their first place in Group A.
The Moroccans believed in it, supported by the 60,000 supporters at the Prince Moulay-Abdellah stadium, especially after Brahim Diaz’s opening score (45th + 3), from the penalty spot. The Eagles of Mali, clumsy in the attacking phases, had opted for a game plan based on physics, collecting seven warnings during the match. But a foul in the Moroccan area, whistled shortly after the hour mark, restarted a scenario that seemed already written. Thanks to a penalty, this time in favor of the Eagles, Lassine Sinayoko allowed Mali to get back on track (64th).
This missed opportunity, but not prohibitive – Morocco remaining at the top of their group – was offered by Zambia and the Comoros, opposed earlier in the evening (0-0). Their draw and devoid of clear chances – only three shots were on target – ultimately only served to narrow the gaps in Group A, where qualification for the elimination phase will be played out on the third and final day, Monday. Morocco (1st, 4 points) will face Zambia (3rd, 2 points) and Mali (2nd, 2 points) will face Comoros (4th, 1 point).
Shots and yellow cards
A second victory in as many matches and Egypt maintains its qualification for the round of 16 of the 2025 African Cup of Nations. The Pharaohs won, Friday, December 26 at the Grand Stade in Agadir (Morocco), against South Africa, in the second match of Group B (1-0).
In the first half, both teams took a while to get into their match, creating few chances. We had to wait for added time to see the match get carried away. Mohamed Salah, victim of a blow to the face in the area, converted the penalty awarded to Egypt, opening the scoring for his team. But the joy was short-lived: following a big kick on Teboho Mokoena, Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card, synonymous with exclusion.
Returning from the locker room, Bafana Bafana put pressure on the Egyptian defense, which was able to count on its goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy, author of two big saves in added time.
Despite this defeat, South Africa remains second in their group behind Egypt, with three points. Zimbabwe and Angola ended in a draw (1-1). The Angolans opened the scoring before the half-hour mark but were caught before the break. With one point each, the two nations will have to create the feat on the last day to qualify.
