The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers kicked off with high drama on Friday as Ivory Coast, Egypt, and Morocco secured vital wins in their opening matches.
The reigning Afcon champions, Ivory Coast, triumphed over Zambia, while Egypt and Morocco recorded dominant victories in their respective games.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the heavyweights, as Senegal were forced to settle for a disappointing 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso after a last-minute equalizer.
The qualifiers mark the beginning of the intense journey toward the 2025 Afcon, with teams across the continent vying for a coveted spot in the prestigious tournament.
Ivory Coast’s Triumph Over Zambia in Group G: The Reigning Champions Assert Their Authority
The Ivory Coast national football team, defending champions of the Afcon, began their 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Zambia in Group G.
Jean-Philippe Krasso emerged as the hero for the Elephants, netting both goals in the second half to seal the win.
Krasso’s first goal came in the 55th minute, a composed finish following a well-worked team move. His second, in the 72nd minute, was a clinical header from a corner kick, leaving Zambia with little chance to respond.
The victory solidified Ivory Coast’s status as one of the favorites to qualify for the tournament, building momentum as they seek to defend their title.
The win was particularly significant for the Elephants, as they faced a resilient Zambia side that was determined to put up a fight.
However, the reigning champions showed their experience and quality in the second half, controlling the tempo and ensuring they left with all three points.
Egypt Dominates Cape Verde in Group C: Pharaohs’ Qualifying Campaign Off to a Strong Start
Egypt, one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses, showcased their prowess with a commanding 3-0 win over Cape Verde in their Group C encounter.
Playing in front of a passionate crowd at the Cairo International Stadium, the Pharaohs wasted no time asserting their dominance.
The opening goal came courtesy of Rami Rabia, who found the back of the net with a powerful header in the 19th minute.
Egypt’s dominance continued as Omar Marmoush added a second goal just before halftime, capitalizing on Cape Verde’s defensive lapses.
Ibrahim Adel put the finishing touches on a comprehensive performance with a third goal in the 78th minute, ensuring Egypt’s strong start to the Afcon qualifiers.
Cape Verde struggled to keep up with Egypt’s relentless pace and attacking flair. The Pharaohs, led by their experienced core, have their eyes set on qualifying comfortably and making a deep run in the 2025 Afcon.
With such a convincing win, Egypt sent a message to the rest of Africa: they are back and ready to compete for the continental crown.
Morocco’s 4-1 Thrashing of Gabon in Group B: Ziyech and El Kaabi Shine
Morocco, the host nation for the 2025 Afcon, made an emphatic statement with a 4-1 victory over Gabon in their Group B match in Agadir.
The Atlas Lions were in full control throughout the match, with Hakim Ziyech and Ayoub El Kaabi delivering standout performances.
The game’s first half was marked by a series of penalties. Hakim Ziyech calmly slotted home two penalties for Morocco, while Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had mixed fortunes, missing one penalty but converting another. By halftime, Morocco led 2-1.
In the second half, Morocco continued their dominance. Brahim Diaz added a third goal with a stunning strike from outside the box, and Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win with a well-placed finish in the 70th minute.
Gabon struggled to mount any meaningful challenge, and Morocco’s victory was never in doubt.
With Morocco set to host the tournament, this result serves as a clear indication that they are determined to make a strong impression on home soil.
The Afcon qualifiers will test their consistency, but early signs suggest Morocco will be a force to be reckoned with.
Senegal’s Frustration: Teranga Lions Held to 1-1 Draw by Burkina Faso
Senegal, one of Africa’s top-ranked teams, had a frustrating night in their Group L match as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Burkina Faso.
The Teranga Lions, playing at home in Dakar, looked set for victory after Sadio Mane’s early goal gave them the lead. However, a 95th-minute equalizer from Ousseni Bouda left Senegal stunned and forced them to settle for a single point.
The game started brightly for Senegal, with Mane converting a well-placed cross in the 15th minute. The Teranga Lions dominated possession and created several chances to extend their lead, but Burkina Faso’s defense held firm.
In the dying moments of the match, Burkina Faso pushed forward in search of an equalizer, and they were rewarded when Bouda’s shot from close range found the back of the net.
The late goal was a huge blow for Senegal, who had controlled much of the match but failed to close it out.
Mali vs. Mozambique Ends in Stalemate
Another notable result from Friday’s matches came in Group I, where Mali and Mozambique played to a 1-1 draw in Bamako. The visitors, Mozambique, took an early lead through Geny Catamo’s goal, but Mali responded with a well-taken goal from Yves Bissouma.
Mali pressed hard for a winner in the second half, but Mozambique’s defense stood tall. Both teams will see this as a missed opportunity to gain ground in a competitive group, but the point keeps their qualification hopes alive.
South Africa Salvages a Draw Against Uganda in Group K Thriller
South Africa was involved in one of the day’s most dramatic matches, as they fought back to secure a 2-2 draw at home against Uganda in Group K. Thalente Mbatha, making his debut for Bafana Bafana, scored a stunning equalizer in stoppage time to salvage a point.
South Africa had dominated the first half, with Lyle Foster giving them the lead in the 23rd minute. However, Uganda stormed back in the second half with two spectacular long-range goals from Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato. The Cranes looked set for a famous victory, but Mbatha’s strike from the edge of the box in the 91st minute rescued a draw for the hosts.
What’s Next in the Afcon Qualifiers?
With more Afcon qualifiers scheduled for the weekend, the action is just getting started. Teams like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Mauritania will be looking to get their campaigns off to strong starts as they chase a place in the 2025 Afcon.
As the qualifiers unfold, every match will become increasingly crucial. Teams across Africa are battling for a spot in the continent’s most prestigious football tournament, and the early results have already set the stage for a thrilling qualification campaign.
