By Oluwakayode Banjo
Record holders, the Pharaohs of Egypt, have drawn first blood at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, becoming the first team to qualify for the Round of 16.
Egypt edged Bafana Bafana of South Africa 1–0 in a tense Group B clash, with Mohammed Salah keeping his nerve to convert a decisive penalty just before halftime in the 45th minute.
The narrow victory sealed Egypt’s place in the knockout stage and reaffirmed their status as tournament heavyweights.
Meanwhile, hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco missed the chance to secure back-to-back wins after the Eagles of Mali forced a 1–1 draw, slowing the hosts’ early momentum.
Elsewhere on Friday, Angola and Zimbabwe settled for a 1–1 draw, while Zambia and Comoros produced the tournament’s first goalless encounter.
Attention now shifts to Saturday, as the Super Eagles of Nigeria chase back-to-back victories when they face the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at 9:00 p.m.
Other fixtures will see Benin Republic battle Botswana, Senegal clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda square off against Tanzania.
Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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