Morocco, 29 December 2025 – The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 roared into life on matchday two, with three African powerhouses clinching round-of-16 spots early and hosts Morocco holding qualification in their grasp.
A chaotic five-goal showdown in Group C – Nigeria's 3-2 thriller over Tunisia – stole the spotlight, reshaping the knockout picture ahead of the final group clashes from 29-31 December.
Three teams sit pretty with maximum points from two games, advancing with a match to spare:
-Nigeria (Group C): The Super Eagles grinded out a 1-0 win over Tanzania before outlasting Tunisia 3-2 in a heavyweight clash of goals and grit.
-Egypt (Group B): The Pharaohs marched on with a 2-1 opener against Zimbabwe, sealed by a 1-0 edge over South Africa.
-Algeria (Group E): The Desert Foxes demolished Sudan 3-0 then edged Burkina Faso 1-0 to storm through.
These results set up fireworks on the last day, where the top two per group – plus the four best third-placers – advance.
Twenty-one teams fight for survival. Here's the breakdown:
- Morocco (4 pts): Hosts need a draw or win vs. Zambia to seal it.
- Mali (2 pts): Victory over Comoros boosts their shot at top two or best third.
- South Africa (3 pts): Beat Zimbabwe and pray for favors elsewhere.
- Angola (1 pt): Must topple qualified Egypt and chase best-third status.
- Tunisia (3 pts): Positive result vs. Tanzania required.
- Uganda (1 pt): Shock Nigeria and hinge on Tunisia-Tanzania outcome.
- Senegal (4 pts): Draw with Benin suffices.
- DR Congo (4 pts): Draw vs. Botswana gets them through.
- Benin (3 pts): Upset Senegal to sneak in.
- Burkina Faso (3 pts): Win over Sudan pairs them with Algeria.
- Equatorial Guinea (3 pts): Favorable result vs. Algeria leaders.
- Ivory Coast (4 pts, defending champs): Draw Gabon locks qualification.
- Cameroon (4 pts): Draw Mozambique secures progress.
- Mozambique (3 pts): Topple Cameroon for a best-third lifeline.
"Pressure is a privilege for the Atlas Lions," says a former Morocco defender. Their resilient Mali draw proved mettle, but Zambia on the final day tests true champions. Home soil amplifies the edge – and the stakes – as they chase group supremacy.
Catch the deciders across Morocco's six host cities.
UK fans: free on Channel 4. France/Canada/US: beIN Sports.
The final crowns a champ on 18 January 2026 at Rabat's revamped 68,500-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Africa's elite gear up for knockout heartbreak and heroics – who will join the big three in the last 16?