AFCON 2025: Morocco aim for early Round of 16 spot as Mali, Zambia and Comoros seek redemption
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Reading Time: 4min | Fri. 26.12.25. | 09:31
The clash also marks the eighth meeting between the two sides, with Zambia dominating previous encounters with four wins to Comoros’ two.
After a day’s rest to celebrate Christmas, the Africa Cup of Nations resumes on Friday, 26 December, with exciting Group A fixtures that promise drama and decisive outcomes.
With the first round of group matches concluded, Round Two is poised to shape the race for the Round of 16, where the top two teams automatically qualify, while the four best third-placed sides across all groups secure the remaining slots.
Morocco vs Mali
The headline clash of the day will see hosts and group leaders Morocco take on Mali in the second Group A match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Morocco, perched atop the table with three points following a commanding 2-0 victory over Comoros, will be eager to secure another maximum points haul, potentially booking a Round of 16 berth with a match to spare.
The Atlas Lions, buoyed by an impressive opening-day performance, hold a two-point advantage over Mali and Zambia, who played out a 1-1 draw.
The one-time AFCON champions will rely heavily on vocal home support as they aim to assert dominance and maintain their unbeaten record on home soil.
Coach Walid Regragui is expected to call upon a star-studded lineup featuring Real Madrid forward Brahim DÃaz, Fenerbahçe striker Youssef En-Nesyri, Al Ain’s Soufiane Rahimi, AS Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, Real Betis’s Sofyan Amrabat, Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi, Man United's defender Noussair Mazraoui, and Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Together, they will attempt to neutralize Mali’s threats and reinforce Morocco’s supremacy over West African opposition. Mali, determined not to be mere spectators, will be aiming for their first maximum points of the tournament.
The Eagles, marking their 15th AFCON appearance, began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Zambia.
Under Belgian tactician Tom Saintfiet, Mali will lean on the experience of Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma, Lens’s Amadou Haidara, Al Ahly's Aliou Dieng, Auxerre forward Lassine Sinayoko, Fenerbahçe winger Nene Dorgeles, Paris FC defender Hamari Traoré, and Lecce midfielder Lassana Coulibaly.
Mali’s objective will be to upset the hosts and edge closer to a historic first continental title.This encounter marks the fifth competitive AFCON meeting between Morocco and Mali.
Morocco currently lead the head-to-head record, having won the 2004 and 2021 group-stage encounters.
Mali claimed their solitary win with a 1-0 Round of 16 victory in 2019, while the sides played out a 1-1 draw at the 2013 tournament.
With both teams determined to write a new chapter, the clash promises a tactical and thrilling spectacle.
Zambia vs Comoros
Earlier in the day at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Zambia and Comoros will face off, each seeking their first victory of the tournament.
The Chipolopolo sit third in the group after their opening 1-1 draw with Mali, while Comoros are bottom following a 2-0 defeat to Morocco.
Zambia, boasting a proud AFCON pedigree including the 2012 title, will rely on the attacking prowess of Leicester City’s Patson Daka, Power Dynamos’ Willard Mwanza, Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s Kings Kangwa, Lecce winger Lameck Banda, and FC Magdeburg’s Lubambo Musonda.
Coach Moses Sichone will hope his experienced lineup can capitalise on Comoros’ relative inexperience at the continental level.
Comoros, appearing for only the second time at AFCON, will counter with a squad featuring FK Zemun’s El Fardou Ben Nabouhane, Saudi Arabia-based Myziane Maolida, Qatar SC’s Faïz Selemani, Al Batin midfielder Youssouf M’Changama, and Aubagne defender Bel Nassuir Hamidou Ali.
Under coach Amir Abdou, the island nation will aim to overcome Zambia’s superiority and claim a historic first AFCON victory.
The clash also marks the eighth meeting between the two sides, with Zambia dominating previous encounters with four wins to Comoros’ two.
However, this will be their first meeting at the Africa Cup of Nations, adding further intrigue to the contest.
As Group A battles unfold, both fixtures promise decisive outcomes, shaping the path to the Round of 16, potential elimination, and setting the tone for the thrilling days ahead at the ongoing 35th edition of Africa’s premier football tournament.
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