Football temporarily gives way to music on Christmas Day as the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 observes its first rest day, with the conclusion of matchday one across six groups.
Fans will be treated to a colourful programme of live performances across official Fan Parks across the host cities in Morocco.
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Fans in Agadir, Casablanca, Fes, Rabat, Marrakech and Tangier will enjoy a festive blend of African and international music, reinforcing the carnival atmosphere surrounding the continent’s flagship football tournament.
In Agadir, Plage Agadir (La Marina) hosts South African star Musa Keys at 20:00, followed by Egyptian sensation Sharmoofers at 21:30.
Casablanca features two hubs, with Soulja and French rapper La Fouine performing at Espace Météo, while Rafie and Moroccan group Oudaden entertain fans at Espace Toro.
Fes’ Jardin Botanique welcomes Nigerian hitmaker Joeboy at 20:00 before Jenjoon takes the stage at 21:30.
Rabat also offers dual celebrations, with Kayawoto and DJ Moh Green performing at Olm Souissi, while Salé Bab El Mrissa hosts Malian superstar Sidiki Diabaté and legendary Moroccan group Nass El Ghiwane.
In Marrakech, Bab Jdid will see Cameroonian artist Kocee perform ahead of Ivorian star Didi B, while Tangier’s Villa Harris Park rounds off the celebrations with VJ and Congolese icon Awilo Longomba.
Mahrez, Jackson in Early Scorers’ Chart Lead
On the pitch, Riyad Mahrez and Nicolas Jackson have taken early centre stage, each scoring twice to inspire strong opening wins for Algeria and Senegal respectively.
Tunisia’s Elias Achouri has also netted a brace, ensuring an early three-way tie at the top of the scorers’ chart.
Tournament favourites Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Senegal, Algeria and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire all opened their campaigns with victories as the first round of group matches concluded on Wednesday.
Hosts Morocco set the tone in Group A with a 2–0 win over Comoros, while Group B saw South Africa and Egypt edge narrow victories.
Tunisia and Nigeria lead Group C after identical winning starts, Senegal sit level with DR Congo atop Group D, and Algeria lead Group E on goal difference.
In Group F, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon both recorded slim wins.
After 12 matches, 27 goals were scored at an average of 2.25 per game, with 12 victories recorded across the six groups.
Results at a Glance
Group A
Morocco 2–0 Comoros
Mali 1–1 Zambia
Group B
South Africa 2–1 Angola
Egypt 1–0 Zimbabwe
Group C
Tunisia 3–1 Uganda
Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania
Group D
Senegal 3–0 Botswana
DR Congo 1–0 Benin
Group E
Algeria 3–0 Sudan
Burkina Faso 2–1 Equatorial Guinea
Group F
Côte d’Ivoire 1–0 Mozambique
Cameroon 1–0 Gabon
AFCON 2025 a room resumes on Boxing day, with the second round of group matches set to further shape the race for knockout qualification.
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