Johannesburg – The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is off to a strong start after hosts Morocco secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Comoros in the opening match on Sunday, 21 December 2025, with goals from Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi igniting the tournament.
Today, December 22, three intriguing group stage fixtures promise more drama across stunning Moroccan venues.
Kicking off at 14:00 GMT is Mali vs Zambia in Group A at the iconic Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
Mali, known for their dynamic midfield and attacking flair, face a resilient Zambian side eager to build on their 2012 triumph.
With Morocco already leading the group, this clash could shape early qualification battles.
Next, at 17:00 GMT in Group B, Egypt vs Zimbabwe takes center stage at the Grand Stadium of Agadir.
Seven-time champions Egypt, led by superstar Mohamed Salah, are heavy favorites against a determined Zimbabwe outfit looking to cause an upset in their return to the continental stage.
The day concludes at 20:00 GMT with South Africa vs Angola at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
Bafana Bafana, boasting talented players like Percy Tau, meet an Angolan team renowned for their physicality and counter-attacks in this evenly poised Group B encounter.
As the first winter AFCON unfolds over the festive period, expect passionate crowds, skillful African football, and potential surprises.
These matches highlight the continent’s depth of talent—don’t miss the action.
Group A
- Morocco (hosts)
- Mali
- Zambia
- Comoros
Group B
- Egypt
- South Africa
- Angola
- Zimbabwe
Group C
- Nigeria
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Tanzania
Group D
- Senegal
- DR Congo
- Benin
- Botswana
Group E
- Algeria
- Burkina Faso
- Equatorial Guinea
- Sudan
Group F
- Ivory Coast (Defending champions)
- Cameroon
- Gabon
- Mozambique
Fixtures Group Stage
Sunday, December 21
- Group A: Morocco vs Comoros (Rabat 1, 7 pm)
Monday, December 22
- Group A: Mali vs Zambia (Rabat 2, 2:30 pm)
- Group B: Egypt vs Zimbabwe (Agadir, 5 pm)
- Group B: South Africa vs Angola (Marrakesh, 7:30 pm)
Tuesday, December 23
- Group C: Nigeria vs Tanzania (Fez, 12 pm)
- Group C: Tunisia vs Uganda (Rabat 4, 2:30 pm)
- Group D: Senegal vs Botswana (Tangier, 5 pm)
- Group D: DR Congo vs Benin (Rabat 3, 7:30 pm)
Wednesday, December 24
- Group E: Algeria vs Sudan (Rabat 2, 12 pm)
- Group E: Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea (Casablanca, 2:30 pm)
- Group F: Côte d’Ivoire vs Mozambique (Marrakesh, 5pm)
- Group F: Cameroon vs Gabon (Agadir, 7:30 pm)
Friday, December 26
- Group A: Morocco vs Mali (Rabat 1, 12 pm)
- Group A: Zambia vs Comoros (Casablanca, 2:30 pm)
- Group B: Egypt vs South Africa (Agadir, 5 pm)
- Group B: Angola vs Zimbabwe (Marrakesh, 7:30 pm)
Saturday, December 27
- Group C: Nigeria vs Tunisia (Fez, 12 pm)
- Group C: Uganda vs Tanzania (Rabat 3, 2:30 pm)
- Group D: Senegal vs DR Congo (Tangier, 5 pm)
- Group D: Benin vs Botswana (Rabat 4, 7:30 pm)
Sunday, December 28
- Group E: Algeria vs Burkina Faso (Rabat 2, 12 pm)
- Group E: Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan (Casablanca, 2:30 pm)
- Group F: Côte d’Ivoire vs Cameroon (Marrakesh, 5pm)
- Group F: Gabon vs Mozambique (Agadir, 7:30 pm)
Monday, December 29
- Group A: Zambia vs Morocco (Rabat 1, 5:30 pm)
- Group A: Comoros vs Mali (Casablanca, 5:30 pm)
- Group B: Angola vs Egypt (Agadir, 7:30 pm)
- Group B: Zimbabwe vs South Africa (Marrakesh, 7:30 pm)
Tuesday, December 30
- Group C: Uganda vs Nigeria (Fez, 5 pm)
- Group C: Tanzania vs Tunisia (Rabat 4, 5 pm)
- Group D: Benin vs Senegal (Tangier, 7:30 pm)
- Group D: Botswana vs DR Congo (Rabat 3, 7:30 pm)
Wednesday, December 31
- Group E: Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria (Rabat 2, 5 pm)
- Group E: Sudan vs Burkina Faso (Casablanca, 5 pm)
- Group F: Gabon vs Côte d’Ivoire, (Marrakesh, 7:30pm)
- Group F: Mozambique vs Cameroon (Agadir, 7:30 pm)
Round of 16
Saturday, January 3
- Group D winners vs Group B/E/F third-place (Tangier, 5 pm)
- Group A runners-up vs Group C runners-up (Casablanca, 7:30 pm)
Sunday, January 4
- Group A winners vs Group C/D/E third-place (Rabat 1, 5 pm)
- Group B runners-up vs Group F runners-up (Rabat 3, 7:30 pm)
Monday, January 5
- Group B winners vs Group A/C/D third-place (Agadir, 5 pm)
- Group C winners vs Group A/B/F third-place (Fez, 7:30 pm)
Tuesday, January 6
- Group E winners vs Group D runners-up (Rabat 2, 5 pm)
- Group F winners vs Group E runners-up (Marrakesh, 7:30 pm)
Quarter-finals
Friday, January 9
- Quarter-final 1 (Tangier, 5 pm)
- Quarter-final 2 (Rabat 1, 7:30 pm)
Saturday, January 10
- Quarter-final 3 (Marrakesh, 5 pm)
- Quarter-final 4 (Agadir, 7:30 pm)
Semi-finals
Wednesday, January 14
- Semi-final 1 (Tangier, 5 pm)
- Semi-final 2 (Rabat, 7:30 pm)
Third-place match
Saturday, January 17
- Third-place match (Casablanca, 7 pm)
Final
Sunday, January 18
- Final (Rabat 1, 7 pm)
