AFCON 2025: Egypt chase perfect Group B run as Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe fight for knockout survival

The 2025 African Cup of Nations continues on Monday, 29th December, with the final round of Group B matches promising high-stakes drama and intensity.

With the second spot in the group still up for grabs, Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will all be fighting to keep their knockout stage dreams alive.

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The spotlight, however, falls on North Africa powerhouse Egypt, who will face Angola in a match that carries both prestige and expectation.

Having won their opening two group matches, Egypt are already assured of a Round of 16 berth.

A single point against Angola will suffice to secure top spot, but a victory would give them a clean sweep of three wins and reinforce their dominance in the group.

Under the guidance of former national legend and all-time top scorer Hossam Hassan, Egypt will rely on a star-studded lineup, including Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet,” Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy, Manchester City attacker Omar Marmoush, Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed, Pyramids FC winger Mostafa Fathi, and Al Ahly midfielder Marwan Attia.

Yet, Egypt’s path will not be without challenge.

AFCON 2025: All square as Cameroon, Ivory Coast cancel each other in high-intensity drama

Angola, winless in their opening matches, will be desperate to secure their first victory in the 35th edition of Africa’s premier tournament.

The Palancas Negras, led by French coach Patrice Beaumelle, will look to players like Real Oviedo defender David Carmo, Olympique Lyonnais center-back Clinton Mata, Bodrumspor midfielder Fredy Ribeiro, Adana Demirspor midfielder António Muanza, Vitória SC playmaker Beni Mukendi, and forwards Zito Luvumbo, Mbala Nzola, Randy Nteka, and Manuel Benson to deliver a do-or-die performance.

Historically, this clash marks the ninth meeting between Egypt and Angola.

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Egypt have won four of the previous eight encounters, while their only two meetings at the competitive AFCON level ended in identical 2-1 victories for the Pharaohs.

For Angola, this is an opportunity to break the jinx and stage a dramatic push for the knockout stage at Adrar Stadium, Agadir.

In the other Group B fixture, South Africa face Zimbabwe at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.

AFCON 2025: Sudan revive qualification hopes with win over Equatorial Guinea

Currently sitting second with three points, Bafana Bafana know that only a win will secure their passage to the Round of 16.

After a setback against Egypt, South Africa will aim to assert control, relying on key players including; Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, right-back Khuliso Mudau, left-back Aubrey Modiba, midfielder Teboho Mokoena, Burnley striker Lyle Foster, Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis, and CD Tondela’s Sphephelo Sithole.

AFCON 2025 - GROUP STAGE

3rd round

Monday

19.00: (2.90) Angola (3.00) Egypt (2.70)

19.00: (5.00) Zimbabwe (3.50) S.Africa (1.75)

22.00: (6.75) Comores (3.90) Mali (1.55)

22.00: (14.0) Zambia (6.00) Morocco (1.22)

Tuesday

19.00: (8.00) Tanzania (4.00) Tunisia (1.47)

19.00: (3.45) Uganda (3.15) Nigeria (2.25)

22.00: (11.0) Benin (5.20) Senegal (1.30)

22.00: (12.0) Botswana (5.60) Dr Congo (1.27)

Wednesday

19.00: (6.00) Equatorial Guinea (3.60) Algeria (1.65)

19.00: (4.60) Sudan (3.35) Burkina Faso (1.87)

22.00: (6.00) Gabon (3.60) Ivory Coast (1.65)

22.00: (7.00) Mozambique (4.50) Cameroon (1.45)

***odds are subject to change***