Africa Cup Of Nations 2025 | Monday December 22 | Group B
- Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
- South Africa 2-1 Angola
Group B of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 burst into life on Monday night as Egypt and South Africa both dug deep to claim dramatic opening victories, sending an early warning to their rivals.
At different venues and in contrasting styles, the two heavyweights showed why they remain contenders.
Egypt leaned on Mohamed Salah’s familiar magic, while South Africa finished strongly to finally get the better of Angola and take charge of the group.
Salah delivers when Egypt need him most
In Casablanca, Egypt were flirting with frustration before their captain stepped in to save the night.
Despite controlling possession, the seven-time champions fell behind in the 20th minute when Jordan Jalai broke down the flank and found Prince Dube, who turned neatly and beat Mohamed El Shenawy to stun the Pharaohs.
Egypt kept pressing but struggled to break down a disciplined Zimbabwe defence. Relief arrived in the 63rd minute when Omar Marmoush burst down the wing and finished decisively to level matters.
With time running out, Salah took centre stage. Deep into stoppage time, he controlled a dropping ball in the box, slipped past his marker and drilled home the winner, sparking wild celebrations and sealing a crucial 2–1 victory.
Bafana Bafana finish strong against Angola
Earlier in Marrakech, South Africa opened their campaign with a hard earned 2–1 win over Angola, ending a six game winless run against the Palancas Negras that dated back to 2015.
Bafana Bafana started brightly and struck in the 17th minute when Oswin Appollis pounced on a loose clearance, skipped past two defenders and calmly beat Hugo Marques.
Oswin Appollis celebrates his goal
Angola responded well and drew level in the 34th minute as Fredy’s curling free-kick was flicked on by Show to beat Ronwen Williams.
The second half belonged to South Africa. Hugo Broos’ substitutions lifted the tempo as pressure mounted. Mbekezeli Mbokazi hit the crossbar, Lyle Foster had a goal ruled out by VAR, and Angola were forced deeper.
The breakthrough finally came in the 79th minute. A high press won the ball, Nkota slipped Foster through, and the striker curled a fine finish into the top corner to secure the points.
“This was important,” Broos said. “Losing your first game puts you in trouble. We reacted well in the second half.”
Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle remained defiant. “At this level, mistakes are punished. But we still have two matches.”
Current Table Standings | Group B
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AFCON continues on Tuesday, December 23, with DR Congo facing Benin at 15:30, Senegal taking on Botswana at 18:00, Nigeria meeting Tanzania at 20:30, and Uganda closing the night against Tunisia at 23:00.
