Progress Race : Decisive Matchday 3

The last and third playing day in the group phase of the ongoing TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations begins today, December 29, 2025. Most matches will not be formalities but highly decisive, as some teams are yet to confirm their spots in the round of 16. This follows the tight results from Day 2 matches, which concluded yesterday, December 28, 2025.
Egypt, the seven-time African champions, became the first team to qualify for the round of 16. They defeated South Africa 1-0 on December 26, 2025, in a highly attended Group B match at Grand Stade Agadir. Star Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot. South Africa played well but managed only sterile domination, thanks to the Egyptian defense and the heroics of goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, who was named Man of the Match. Egypt tops Group B with six points after matchday 2.
Nigeria became the second team to qualify after beating Tunisia 3-2 on December 27 in Fès. The Group C game was highly animated in the dying moments when Tunisia showed signs of drawing level. No doubt, Day 2 matches featured the big shocks; only the tough could pull through, which is why only few teams booked their tickets to the round of 16 early. What was also peculiar on this second playing day was the number of goals scored from the penalty spot; at least five goals came through penalties.
Back to the tables, Group A, for example, remains very uncertain. Host Morocco failed to secure victory against Mali; the two sides shared spoils in a 1-1 draw. Even though Morocco is assured of at least third place finish, they must stand tall to finish the group phase on a buoyant note against Zambia today; a game that will not be easy, given Zambia will also be looking for necessary poi...