Groups A and B : Big Wigs Threatened

The opening game of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, pitting host Morocco against Comoros, signalled that this competition will be a difficult one. The notion that there are no longer any small teams in African football stood out clearly. Comoros held Morocco scoreless through the entire first half, preventing the host from scoring to the disappointment of the numerous fans who thronged the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. It was only around the 55th minute in the second half that Morocco finally opened the scoring and doubled their lead several minutes after. Even though the host emerged victorious to clinch the top spot in Group A, they had shaky moments and must have at one point nursed questions about the disappointment they would feel if thrashed at home in the opening match of such a prestigious competition. The second Group A match, pitting Mali against Zambia, followed a similar scenario. Even though Mali dominated play, they found it difficult to break down the Zambian defense. After several attempts, they finally got a breakthrough around the 60th minute with the opening goal. But the worst was yet to come: Zambia netted in added time to make it 1-1. It was total disappointment for Mali, while Zambia went home smiling. These results leave host Morocco first with three points, Mali and Zambia with one point each, and Comoros last with zero after the first matchday in Group A. 
Group B action further intensified the drama. South Africa had it really hard against a determined Angolan side that showed grit. South Africa opened the scoring, but the Angolans reacted shortly after to take the game into halftime at 1-1; a situation that did not augur well for the South Africans. On return from the locker room, the Angolans tightened up their backyard, launching counterattacks and making it difficult for their opponents. Close to the 80th minute, South Africa scored the winner after a hard struggle, grabbing ...