Egypt secured an early spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage after a 1-0 victory over South Africa in Agadir. Despite playing with 10 men for much of the match, a penalty converted by star forward Mohamed Salah proved decisive. In a Group B match in Marrakesh, Zimbabwe secured a 1-1 draw against Angola. Veteran forward Knowledge Musona's goal in first-half added time rescued a point for Zimbabwe after Gelson Dala had put Angola ahead. Meanwhile, Morocco was held to a 1-1 draw by Mali in a Group A match. This result prevented Morocco from immediately securing a place in the knockout stage and ended the team's 19-match winning streak.