Clarion Newschannel – December 26, 2025
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco heats up on Boxing Day with four crucial Group Stage matches, as the tournament enters its second round of fixtures in the early group stages. Fans across the continent are gearing up for high-stakes encounters featuring superstars, host nation passion, and potential group deciders.
The standout fixture sees record seven-time champions Egypt, led by captain Mohamed Salah, take on South Africa in a Group B showdown at the Grand Stade d’Agadir. Egypt kicked off their campaign with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Zimbabwe on December 22, where Salah scored a stoppage-time winner after Omar Marmoush’s equalizer. The Liverpool forward, chasing his first AFCON title, will be key as the Pharaohs aim to build momentum amid his strong start.
South Africa also began positively, edging Angola 2-1 in their opener, ending a long winless streak in AFCON opening matches. This clash promises fireworks, with both teams level on three points atop Group B.
In the late kick-off, hosts Morocco face Mali in a top-of-the-table Group A battle at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat (8:00 PM GMT). The Atlas Lions, heavy favorites and on an impressive unbeaten run, opened with a 2-0 win over Comoros on December 21. Mali, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with Zambia in their first match. Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui will hope for a strong home crowd to push his side toward a second AFCON title since 1976, with stars like Achraf Hakimi potentially returning from injury.
Other matches today:
Angola vs Zimbabwe (Group B, Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech – early kick-off): Both teams seeking their first points after opening defeats.
Zambia vs Comoros (Group A, various venues reported including Casablanca – afternoon slot): Zambia, who drew with Mali, face Comoros, who lost to Morocco.
The tournament, shifted to December-January to avoid clashing with other global events, is being played across nine venues in six Moroccan cities. Ivory Coast are the defending champions, but hosts Morocco and contenders like Egypt, Senegal, and Nigeria are among the early favorites.
Clarion Newschannel will provide live updates and post-match analysis as the action unfolds. Which match are you most excited for? Stay tuned for more AFCON coverage!
BOXING DAY BLOCKBUSTERS: Salah’s Egypt Clash with South Africa as Hosts Morocco Face Mali in AFCON 2025 Thriller
