Tag Archives: Morocco 2025AFCON

Regional, Sports

Four goals baptism for Mozambique as Nigeria cruise in AFCON

Shaffie A Mtambo

RABAT-(MaraviPost)-Nigeria delivered a commanding performance to overpower Mozambique 4–0 and book their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, producing one of their most convincing displays of the tournament.

The Super Eagles wasted no time in asserting their dominance, controlling possession and pressing high from the opening minutes as Mozambique struggled to cope with the tempo and intensity.

The breakthrough came when Ademola Lookman calmly opened the scoring, rewarding Nigeria’s early pressure and setting the tone for what would become a one sided contest.

Just minutes later, Nigeria doubled their advantage through Victor Osimhen, whose sharp movement and clinical finishing left the Mozambican defence exposed and reeling.

By half-time, Nigeria were firmly in control at 2–0, having dictated play in midfield and limited Mozambique to very few meaningful chances going forward.

Early in the second half, Osimhen struck again to make it 3–0, completing his brace and effectively ending Mozambique’s hopes of mounting a comeback.

With the result beyond doubt, Nigeria continued to push forward, showcasing their attacking depth and confidence as they searched for more goals.

Substitute Akor Adams put the icing on the cake by netting the fourth goal, capping off a ruthless attacking display by the Super Eagles.

Defensively, Nigeria were equally impressive, keeping a clean sheet and remaining organised whenever Mozambique attempted to threaten on the counter attack.

The emphatic victory underlined Nigeria’s growing momentum in the tournament and sent a strong warning to their remaining rivals.

For Mozambique, the defeat marked a painful end to their AFCON journey, as they were outclassed by a more experienced and efficient Nigerian side.

Regional, Sports

Egyptian pharaohs outclass Benin in extra time to reach AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

Shaffie A Mtambo

RABAT-(MaraviPost)-Egypt booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after edging past a stubborn Benin side 3–1 following extra time in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter.

The Pharaohs were made to work hard for the victory as the match ended 1–1 after regulation time, forcing an additional 30 minutes to separate the two sides.

Egypt opened the scoring through midfielder Marwan Attia, who struck first to give his side a deserved lead after a period of sustained pressure.

Benin, however, refused to back down and were rewarded for their resilience when Jodel Dossou found the equaliser, silencing Egyptian celebrations and taking the match to extra time.

The equalising goal injected new belief into the Benin camp, as the Cheetahs defended bravely and threatened on the counterattack.

As extra time began, Egypt raised their intensity and regained the lead through defender Yasser Ibrahim, who struck early to put the Pharaohs back in control.

The goal shifted momentum firmly in Egypt’s favour, with Benin struggling to cope with the increased tempo and physical demands of extra time.

Egypt continued to dominate possession and territory, patiently waiting for an opportunity to put the game beyond reach.

That decisive moment arrived late in extra time when captain Mohamed Salah produced a clinical finish to make it 3–1 and effectively seal the contest.

Salah’s goal capped off a strong performance and underlined his importance to the Egyptian side in crucial tournament moments.

Despite the loss, Benin earned plaudits for their disciplined display and determination, having pushed one of Africa’s most successful teams to the limit.

The victory keeps Egypt’s hopes of lifting another AFCON title alive as they now turn their focus to the quarter-finals.

Regional, Sports

Benin narrowly survive againt Botswana: AFCON 2025

Shaffie A Mtambo

CASABLANCA-(MaraviPost)-Benin breathed new life into their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign after claiming their first three points with a narrow 1–0 victory over Botswana in a closely contested Group D encounter.

Coming into the match under pressure following an opening defeat, the Cheetahs knew a positive result was crucial to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

Benin showed greater urgency from the start, pressing high and moving the ball quickly as they looked to unsettle a disciplined Botswana side.

The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute when Yohan Roche struck the decisive goal, calmly finishing inside the box to put Benin ahead.

Roche’s goal gave Benin confidence, allowing them to control the tempo for the remainder of the first half and head into the break with a deserved lead.

Botswana responded after halftime by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, increasing the intensity and committing more players into attack.

Despite Botswana’s improved performance, Benin’s defence remained compact and organised, frustrating their opponents and limiting clear scoring opportunities.

As the match entered its closing stages, Botswana applied late pressure but Benin showed composure, discipline and tight security at the back to protect their narrow advantage.

The final whistle confirmed a vital win for Benin, marking their first victory and first three points of the AFCON 2025 tournament.

Regional, Sports

Zambia fight back to hold Mali: Morocco 2025AFCON

Shaffie A Mtambo

CASABLANCA-(MaraviPost)-Zambia and Mali settled for a 1–1 draw in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament currently underway in Morocco.

The encounter attracted huge interest across the continent, with fans eager to see how the two nations would begin their quest for continental glory.

Mali started the match on the front foot, enjoying more possession and applying early pressure on the Zambian defense.

Zambia remained composed at the back, choosing to absorb pressure while looking for opportunities to counterattack through their pacey forwards.

The first half ended without goals as both teams struggled to turn their chances into meaningful breakthroughs.

Mali finally broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when Lassine Sinayoko struck to put his side ahead.

Zambia, however, refused to give up and responded by committing more players forward in search of an equaliser.

Tactical changes by the Zambian technical panel injected fresh energy into the team as the match approached its closing stages.

With time running out, Mali dropped deeper, allowing Zambia to dominate possession and pile pressure in the final third.

The pressure paid off in stoppage time when Patson Daka scored a dramatic late goal to restore parity for Zambia.

Daka’s equaliser sparked wild celebrations among Zambian fans and frustration in the Malian camp.

The match ended 1–1, with both teams earning a point in what could prove to be a crucial Group encounter.

On Sunday, tournament hosts Morocco had kicked off the competition with a solid 2–0 win over Comoros.