The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has kicked off with a bang, and the COSAFA teams are making their mark! But here's where it gets controversial... the results have been a mixed bag so far. Let's dive into the action and uncover the stories behind these early fixtures.
Mali vs Zambia: A Dramatic Draw
In a thrilling Group A encounter, Zambia and Mali battled it out in Casablanca. Mali took an early lead, with Lassine Sinayoko's 61st-minute strike putting them ahead. But the Chipolopolo, showing incredible determination, fought back. In the dying minutes of the game, Patson Daka's diving header in the 92nd minute salvaged a point for Zambia. Despite being under pressure, they refused to give up, securing a well-deserved draw. A true testament to their fighting spirit!
South Africa vs Angola: A Hard-Fought Victory
South Africa faced their COSAFA rivals, Angola, in Marrakech. It was a tight contest, with Oswin Appollis giving Bafana Bafana the lead in the 21st minute. Show equalized for Angola, but Hugo Broos' side struggled to regain control. However, Lyle Foster's stunning strike in the 79th minute proved to be the game-changer. South Africa's resilience paid off, securing a 2-1 victory in a closely contested match.
Egypt vs Zimbabwe: Late Drama
Zimbabwe's Group B opener against Egypt was a rollercoaster ride. Prince Dube's calm finish in the 20th minute gave Zimbabwe an early advantage. But the Pharaohs fought back, with Omar Marmoush leveling the score after halftime. When it seemed the game was heading for a draw, Mohamed Salah had other plans. His dramatic stoppage-time winner secured a 2-1 victory for Egypt, leaving Zimbabwe's Warriors heartbroken. Despite their spirited performance, the Egyptian captain's late intervention denied them a well-deserved point.
These early fixtures have certainly set the tone for an exciting tournament. Stay tuned for more thrilling matches and keep an eye on our COSAFA WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates and tournament news!
And this is the part most people miss... what if the outcomes had been different? Would a win for Zimbabwe have changed the group dynamics? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments! We want to hear your take on these early COSAFA performances.
