The Democratic Republic of Congo began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 victory over Benin in Rabat. The lone goal came from Theo Bongonda, securing crucial three points in their Group D opener.

• Theo Bongonda of Spartak Moscow scored the winning goal in the 16th minute.
• A goal by Cedric Bakambu was disallowed for offside after a VAR check.
• DR Congo, with players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Noah Sadiki, aims to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, facing New Caledonia or Jamaica in a play-off.

Zambia's Chipolopolo salvaged a draw against Mali in their opening Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A match when Patson Daka scored a header in the 92nd minute. The match, played on Monday night, ended 1-1 after Mali had taken a second-half lead.

• Patson Daka, a Leicester City striker, scored the equalizer for Zambia from a cross by Mathews Banda.
• Mali dominated large portions of the game, with Lassine Sinayoko scoring their goal after a saved penalty by Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza in the first half.
• The match took place at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco, on December 22, 2025.

Mohamed Salah scored a decisive goal deep into stoppage time, securing a 2-1 victory for Egypt against Zimbabwe in their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations Group B.

• Salah's goal came moments before the final whistle, rescuing Egypt from a draw after Zimbabwe had taken a shock lead.
• Zimbabwe's Prince Dube scored in the 20th minute, stunning the seven-time champions.
• Marmoush equalized for Egypt in the 63rd minute before Salah's dramatic winner.
• The win places Egypt level on three points with South Africa in Group B.