AFCON 2025 Drama Unfolds: Nigeria Seals Knockout Spot as Underdogs Deliver Historic Moments
Published Date: 28th Dec, 2025
December 28, 2025
The Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is living up to its reputation for thrilling unpredictability, with Nigeria booking their place in the last 16, Benin ending a long winless streak, and several groups hanging in the balance as the group stage hurtles toward its conclusion.
Super Eagles Soar: Nigeria Overcomes Tunisia in Five-Goal Thriller
Nigeria secured progression to the knockout rounds with a pulsating 3-2 victory over Tunisia in Fez, topping Group C in the process. Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock just before halftime, followed by second-half strikes from Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman that put the Super Eagles in command.
Tunisia fought back valiantly with late goals from Montassar Talbi and a penalty by Ali Abdi, but Nigeria held on for the win—the highest-scoring match of the tournament so far. The result confirms Nigeria's dominance in the group, setting up intriguing final fixtures.
Historic Breakthrough: Benin Claims First-Ever AFCON Finals Win
In Rabat, Benin made history with a 1-0 triumph over Botswana, snapping a dismal run of 15 consecutive AFCON finals defeats. Yohan Roche's deflected effort in the 28th minute proved decisive, giving the Cheetahs their maiden victory at the tournament and keeping faint hopes of advancement alive in Group D.
Botswana's elimination was confirmed, while Benin celebrated wildly alongside the tournament mascot, Assad.
East African Derby Ends Level: Uganda and Tanzania Share Points
Uganda and Tanzania played out a 1-1 draw in Rabat, earning each side their first point in Group C after opening losses. Uche Ikpeazu's late equalizer salvaged a draw for Uganda, though Allan Okello missed a subsequent penalty that could have snatched victory.
Other Key Results: Egypt Already Through, Hosts Held
Egypt became the earliest team to qualify for the knockouts following a resilient 1-0 win over South Africa, courtesy of Mohamed Salah's penalty despite playing with 10 men.
Hosts Morocco were frustrated in a 1-1 draw with Mali, ending their remarkable 19-game winning streak but keeping them atop Group A. Angola and Zimbabwe shared a 1-1 stalemate, while Zambia and Comoros played out a goalless draw.
Reigning champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon are among today's marquee clashes, promising more intensity.
Stars Shine in Festive Football Feast
The unique December-January scheduling has spotlighted Africa's elite talents—Salah's clutch contributions, Osimhen's predatory finishing, and Achraf Hakimi's leadership for Morocco—amid packed stadiums and global holiday viewership.
Underdogs continue to impress, with draws and narrow margins underscoring the competition's fierce parity.
Decisive Days Ahead: Knockout Picture Emerges
With several groups wide open, upcoming matches on December 29—including Angola vs. Egypt, Zimbabwe vs. South Africa, Zambia vs. Morocco, and Comoros vs. Mali—will clarify more qualifiers.
Further action follows on December 30 and 31, building toward the January 18 final in Rabat.
AFCON 2025 is delivering classic continental magic: heroic performances, emotional breakthroughs, and nail-biting finishes that remind the world why this tournament captivates like no other.
As the new year approaches, expect even more fireworks in Morocco's modern arenas—Africa's football party shows no signs of slowing down.
Date: 28th Dec, 2025
