AFCON 2025 Day 6: Nigeria Survive Tunisia Scare, Senegal Stalled, Benin Make History

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AFCON 2025 Day 6: Nigeria Survive Tunisia Scare, Senegal Stalled, Benin Make History

After the drama of Day 5, AFCON 2025 delivered more thrills on Day 6. Nigeria booked their last-16 spot after edging Tunisia 3-2 in a five-goal classic, surviving a late scare despite leading 3-0 with 23 minutes to play.

In Tangier, Senegal were held 1-1 by DR Congo, with Sadio Mane rescuing a point after Cedric Bakambu’s opener.

Meanwhile in Rabat, Benin celebrated their first-ever AFCON win, beating Botswana 1-0 thanks to Yohan Roche’s deflected strike, keeping their knockout hopes alive.

The day’s results set up a tense finale in Groups C and D, with Uganda and Tanzania still battling and Nigeria now confirmed in the Round of 16.

Nigeria 3–2 Tunisia: Super Eagles Survive Late Scare

Nigeria held on for a 3-2 win over Tunisia in a thrilling AFCON 2025 Group C clash at Fez Stadium, despite nearly throwing away a three-goal lead.

Goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman put the Super Eagles 3-0 up by the 67th minute. But Tunisia hit back late—Montassar Talbi scored from the spot on 75 minutes, and Ali Abdi converted another penalty three minutes from time to set up a nervy finish.

Nigeria dominated early, with Osimhen heading home just before halftime and Ndidi doubling the lead five minutes after the restart. Lookman added a third, but defensive lapses allowed Tunisia back into the game. Ismael Gharbi almost snatched an equalizer deep into stoppage time, his volley flashing wide.

The win sends Nigeria three points clear at the top of Group C.

Uganda 1–1 Tanzania: Okello Misses Late Penalty in Thriller

Uganda and Tanzania shared the spoils in a tense East African derby at Stade El Barid, Rabat, as Allan Okello missed a stoppage-time penalty that could have sealed victory for the Cranes.

Simon Msuva put Tanzania ahead from the spot in the 58th minute after a handball, but Uche Ikpeazu’s diving header leveled matters 10 minutes later. Uganda then earned a late penalty, only for Okello to fire over the bar.

Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, recalled to the starting XI, delivered a composed display for Uganda, while Rodgers Mato rattled the crossbar in the first half. Both sides now face must-win games on Tuesday—Uganda against Nigeria in Fez, and Tanzania versus Tunisia in Marrakesh.

Senegal 1–1 DR Congo: Mane to the Rescue in Tangier

Sadio Mane struck an equalizer as Senegal battled to a 1–1 draw with DR Congo in Tangier. Cedric Bakambu put Les Leopards ahead on the hour mark, pouncing after Edouard Mendy parried Theo Bongonda’s shot. Eight minutes later, Mane calmly converted after Ibrahim Mbaye’s effort was spilled.

Senegal dominated the first half but wasted chances, Nicolas Jackson shot wide, Mane missed a free-kick, and Ismaila Sarr volleyed over. DR Congo improved after the break, with Noah Sadiki testing Mendy before Bakambu’s opener. Mane’s response set up a frantic finish, but neither side found a winner.

Both teams sit on four points, Senegal leading on goal difference. Tuesday’s clashes, Senegal vs Benin and DR Congo vs Botswana will decide the group.

Man of the Match – Sadio Mane:
“One point is not too bad as DR Congo were determined and played very well. AFCON is always tough, and this was a tough match. You cannot underrate any team.”

Benin 1–0 Botswana: Historic First Win for Squirrels

Benin wrote a new chapter in their football history with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Botswana in Rabat—their first-ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Yohan Roche’s deflected strike in the 28th minute proved decisive, finishing off a pass from captain Steve Mounié. Earlier, Tosin Aiyegun had a goal ruled out for offside, while Botswana came agonizingly close to equalizing when Mothusi Johnson’s free-kick rattled the crossbar.

Benin pressed for a second after the break, with Tamimou Ouorou twice forcing saves from Goitseone Phoko. Botswana pushed forward late on but lacked the cutting edge to trouble Benin’s resolute defense.

The result revives Benin’s Round of 16 hopes ahead of their final group clash with Senegal, while Botswana face DR Congo needing a miracle to progress.

Gernot Rohr (Benin Coach):
“This victory is important because it gives us a chance to qualify. We proved today that we have progressed defensively and recovered well offensively.”

Man of the Match – Yohan Roche:
“It’s a source of immense pride. This goal is special after the difficulties of the first match. So proud to have scored Benin’s first AFCON win!”

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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