The second round of group-stage matches at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 gets underway this weekend, ushering the tournament into a decisive phase marked by heavyweight clashes, historic rivalries and high-stakes encounters that could shape the route to the knockout stages.
After an opening round filled with goals, late drama and early statements of intent, the competition now shifts to a stage where pedigree, psychology and tournament experience become just as crucial as form.
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The first round produced 29 goals across 12 matches, alongside six clean sheets, highlighting a finely balanced contest between attacking ambition and defensive discipline.
With margins already tight across the six groups, the second set of fixtures could begin to separate genuine contenders from early chasers, as several of Africa’s most decorated nations prepare to collide.
Nigeria vs Tunisia:
Pedigree Under Pressure
Saturday night features a classic AFCON showdown between Nigeria and Tunisia. Nigeria, finalists at the last edition, opened with a composed victory powered by Ademola Lookman’s quality. Tunisia, fresh from a flawless qualifying campaign, followed up with an assured opening win led by Mohamed Elias Achouri.
Both sides are seasoned tournament performers — disciplined, streetwise and rarely overawed — making this a clash where fine margins are likely to decide the outcome.
Egypt vs South Africa: A Familiar Heavyweight Duel
Friday’s clash between Egypt and South Africa headlines the round. Both sides opened their campaigns with victories — Egypt leaning once more on the influence of Mohamed Salah, while South Africa edged Angola through late composure and Lyle Foster’s finishing.
With both teams on three points, the meeting carries significant weight in the battle for top spot in Group B.
Beyond tactics, this is a contest defined by pedigree, pitting seven-time champions Egypt against a South African side with a long history of upsetting Africa’s elite. Earlier in the day, Angola and Zimbabwe meet in a must-win encounter after opening-round defeats.
Hosts Morocco Face Mali’s Rising Force
Later on Friday, hosts Morocco take on Mali in a match rich in symbolism. Buoyed by home support and early composure, Morocco arrive with momentum following Brahim Díaz’s opener.
Mali, however, bring a physically powerful and technically gifted squad, with midfield intensity that promises a stern test.
A positive result for Mali could dramatically reshape Group A, where Zambia face Comoros in the group’s other fixture.
Senegal vs DR Congo:
Power Meets Discipline
Saturday delivers another blockbuster as Senegal meet DR Congo in Tangier. Both sides impressed in their opening matches, recording wins and clean sheets.
Senegal’s authority was underlined by Nicolas Jackson’s brace and Iliman Ndiaye’s control, while DR Congo showcased tactical discipline and defensive solidity.
With elite talent across both squads, this encounter could prove decisive in determining control of Group D.
Earlier, Benin face Botswana in the group’s opening match of the day.
Côte d’Ivoire vs Cameroon: Rivals Renewed
Sunday’s headline fixture sees defending champions Côte d’Ivoire face Cameroon in a rivalry steeped in AFCON history.
Victory would give the Elephants firm control of Group F, but Cameroon’s narrow opening win again highlighted their trademark resilience.
With attacking talents such as Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo already influential, the contest promises intensity, quality and emotion.
Derbies and Decisive Encounters Elsewhere
Elsewhere, the regional derby between Uganda and Tanzania adds extra edge to Group C, while Algeria vs Burkina Faso shapes up as another pivotal contest.
Algeria’s emphatic opening performance, inspired by Riyad Mahrez, meets a Burkina Faso side buoyed by late drama and belief, with qualification potentially within reach for the winner.
A Tournament Sharpening Quickly
After just one round,
AFCON 2025 already feels unforgiving. Established contenders are being tested early, while emerging sides continue to show resilience and ambition.
As rivalries resurface and heavyweight squads collide, the second round promises not just entertainment, but clarity — revealing who is ready to go deep and who may already be running out of room for error.
Second Round Fixtures (Group Stage)
Friday, 26 December
12:30 GMT: Angola vs Zimbabwe – Group B
15:00 GMT: Egypt vs South Africa – Group B
17:30 GMT: Zambia vs Comoros – Group A
20:00 GMT: Morocco vs Mali – Group A
Saturday, 27 December
12:30 GMT: Benin vs Botswana – Group D
15:00 GMT: Senegal vs DR Congo – Group D
17:30 GMT: Uganda vs Tanzania – Group C
20:00 GMT: Nigeria vs Tunisia – Group C
Sunday, 28 December
12:30 GMT: Gabon vs Mozambique – Group F
15:00 GMT: Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan – Group E
17:30 GMT: Algeria vs Burkina Faso – Group E
20:00 GMT: Côte d’Ivoire vs Cameroon – Group F
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