Clarion Newschannel Sports Report – December 27, 2025
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco is heating up, with thrilling group-stage action delivering drama across the continent’s premier football tournament. Hosted across six cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Tangier, and Fez, the 35th edition features 24 teams vying for glory from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
In a standout result from December 26, Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah once again proved decisive for Egypt, converting a first-half penalty to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa in Group B at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir. The Pharaohs played the entire second half with 10 men after right-back Mohamed Hany received a red card for a stamp just before halftime, but goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy’s heroics and resolute defending held off relentless Bafana Bafana pressure. Salah’s spot-kick – his second goal of the tournament after a stoppage-time winner against Zimbabwe – makes Egypt the first team to qualify for the knockout stages with maximum points.
Elsewhere on December 26:
Hosts Morocco were held to a 1-1 draw by Mali in a tense Group A encounter in Rabat, keeping the Atlas Lions atop the group on four points.
Zambia and Comoros played out a goalless draw, leaving Group A tightly contested.
Algeria’s dominant start came earlier with a 3-0 win over Sudan in Group E on December 24, courtesy of a brace from captain Riyad Mahrez.
All eyes now turn to today’s pivotal fixtures, including the marquee Group C showdown: Nigeria vs. Tunisia at the Fez Sports Complex (kick-off times vary; Nigeria-Tunisia around evening local time). The Super Eagles, coming off a 2-1 victory over Tanzania, face a Tunisia side that thrashed Uganda 3-1 in their opener. A win for Nigeria could seal top spot and early progression, while the Carthage Eagles aim to maintain their perfect record in what promises to be a fierce North-West African rivalry.
Other key matches today include Senegal vs. DR Congo in Group D and Benin vs. Botswana.
With stars like Victor Osimhen leading Nigeria, Achraf Hakimi captaining hosts Morocco, and defending champions Ivory Coast in action earlier this week, AFCON 2025 is living up to its reputation for unpredictability and passion.
Clarion Newschannel will bring live updates and analysis throughout the tournament. Stay tuned for more from Morocco.
BLOCKBUSTER CLASH: Super Eagles Battle Tunisia for Group C Supremacy as Salah’s Egypt Edge South Africa!
