Morocco secured their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last 16 as group winners after a dominant 3-0 victory over Zambia. Ayoub El Kaabi starred with two goals, while Brahim Diaz also found the net, marking his third goal of the tournament.

• Morocco finished Group A with seven points, leading to their progression as winners.
• Olympiakos striker Ayoub El Kaabi scored in each half, contributing to the definitive win in front of 62,532 fans in Rabat.
• Captain Achraf Hakimi made his first tournament appearance as a second-half substitute, returning from an ankle injury.

South Africa secured a 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations after Oswin Appollis converted a late penalty, ensuring their qualification for the knockout stage. This win places Bafana Bafana among the teams progressing to the last-16.

• Oswin Appollis' penalty in the 82nd minute sealed the win for South Africa.
• The match was held in Marrakesh on Monday, December 29, 2025.
• South Africa finished Group B with six points, while Egypt topped the group with seven points.
• Goals for South Africa came from Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, and the penalty by Appollis.
• Zimbabwe's Tawanda Maswanhise scored one goal and was instrumental in their other, an own goal by Aubrey Modiba.

Egypt secured the top spot in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations after a 0-0 draw against Angola in Agadir, confirming their passage into the knockout stage of the tournament.

• The draw ensured Egypt finished first in Group B, eliminating Angola's chances of progressing.
• Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan's team adopted a measured, defensive approach, prioritizing game management.
• The match gained added significance after South Africa's 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in Marrakech, which solidified the final group standings.

Uganda and Tanzania, co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) along with Kenya, are assessing their current footballing progress at the ongoing AFCON in Morocco, facing potential early elimination. Both nations have historically struggled in the tournament, highlighting the need for significant improvements before hosting the event.

• Uganda and Tanzania will likely need wins in their decisive group games on Tuesday against Nigeria and Tunisia, respectively, to have a chance at the last 16.
• Tanzanian coach Miguel Angel Gamondi stated, "My goal is to change the mentality, show we can compete... if we are 112 now then I hope in a short time we can be lower than 100," referring to their FIFA ranking.
• Tanzania, ranked 112th globally and 27th in Africa, has never won an AFCON match in their four appearances, while Uganda has only one victory in nine matches across three tournaments since 1978.
• Gamondi also highlighted that Tanzania's biggest challenges include the allowance of 12 foreign players in club teams, poor infrastructure, and a significant lack of youth development.
• Uganda's coach, Paul Put, emphasized building a young team for 2027: "For 2027 we have to be in good shape with good players."