AFCON 2025 Day 8 Wrap: Knockout Picture Takes Shape as Morocco, Egypt, Mali and Bafana Advance

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AFCON 2025 Day 8 Wrap: Knockout Picture Takes Shape as Morocco, Egypt, Mali and Bafana Advance

Day 8 of the Africa Cup of Nations delivered drama, decisive results, and a few heartbreaks as the group stage reached its climax. Hosts Morocco powered past Zambia to claim top spot in Group A, while Mali secured their place in the last 16 after a tense draw with Comoros.

In Group B, Egypt held firm to finish first despite being frustrated by Angola, and South Africa edged Zimbabwe in a five-goal thriller to book their knockout berth.

Here’s how the action unfolded.

Morocco 3–0 Zambia: Atlas Lions Seal Top Spot

Morocco delivered a statement performance in their final Group A fixture, sweeping aside Zambia 3–0 at Stade Adrar on Monday night to finish top of the group.

The hosts struck early through Ayoub El Kaabi, who headed home from a well-worked short corner in the 9th minute. Brahim Diaz doubled the lead before halftime, calmly finishing after Abde Ezzalzouli’s low cross.

El Kaabi capped the night with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 53rd minute, confirmed by VAR after an initial offside flag. The result leaves Morocco on seven points, securing first place ahead of Mali.

Mali 0–0 Comoros: Eagles Progress, Comoros Exit

Mali booked their Round of 16 spot despite being held to a goalless draw by Comoros in Casablanca. The Eagles finish second in Group A with three points from three draws, while Comoros bow out with two points.

The match was tense rather than thrilling, with Mali controlling possession but lacking penetration. Comoros threatened on the break, and Mali’s best chance came via Lassine Sinayoko, whose powerful strike was superbly saved before halftime.

Late drama saw Amadou Haidara sent off in the 88th minute, but Mali held firm to secure the point they needed.

Angola 0–0 Egypt: Palancas Negras Hold Pharaohs

Egypt topped Group B despite being held to a 0–0 draw by Angola in Agadir. Angola impressed and came closest to scoring when Fredy’s free-kick struck the upright early in the second half.

Egypt, largely second-best, relied on defensive resilience to preserve the stalemate. Angola exit the tournament with two points, while Egypt advance unbeaten.

Fredy, named Man of the Match, announced his retirement after the game, marking an emotional end to his 12-year international career.

Egypt bench

South Africa 3–2 Zimbabwe: Bafana Brave Fightback

South Africa sealed their place in the knockout stages with a dramatic 3–2 win over Zimbabwe in Marrakesh.

Tshepang Moremi opened the scoring early, but Tawanda Maswanhise equalised with a brilliant solo effort. Lyle Foster restored Bafana’s lead after halftime, only for an own goal from Aubrey Modiba to make it 2–2.

The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Oswin Appollis converted a VAR-awarded penalty. South Africa finish second in Group B with six points, while Zimbabwe exit with one.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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