Day 6 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations delivered another dose of drama, tension, and talking points across the continent.
From Nigeria flirting with disaster after cruising early, to Botswana becoming the tournament’s first casualties, several teams saw their fortunes take decisive turns. Here are four moments that defined an action-packed day at AFCON 2025.
Add an intro and outro and keep body as is.
Nigeria managed to get their second win of the ongoing 2025 AFCON with a 3-2 win over Tunisia. However, the margin would have been wider had it not been for defensive lapses.
They took the lead through Victor Osimhen, before Wilfried Ndidi netted the second of the day. Ademola Lookman then nonchalantly scored a third to give them a commanding 3-0 lead.
However, they could not find a way to consolidate their lead. Tunisia got one back through Montassar Taibi with a header from a freekick in the 74th minute.
In the 87th minute, Tunisia found the back of the net again from the penalty spot. If forced the Super Eagles into surviving more late pressure to win 3-2.
These are the same worrying habits that effectively cost them a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If they are to stand a chance of winning the AFCON title for the first time since 2013, they will need to defend better.
Tanzania were denied the chance to claim their first-ever victory at the AFCON stage as Uganda frustrated them to a 1-1 draw.
After Simon Msuva put them ahead with a penalty in the 59th minute, Uganda equalised through Uche Ikpeazu in the 80th minute. They should have netted the winner from a penalty, but Allan Okello saw his attempt blaze wide off target.
Tanzania will now face Tunisia in their last game of the group stages, seeking for their maiden win.
However, it will not be easy, as the Carthage Eagles will be seeking to make amends for their narrow loss to Nigeria,
Senegal are among the favorites to clinch the AFCON title. However, they met their match on Saturday against a spirited DR Congo.
DR Congo have been impressing a lot of people since the 2023 AFCON. They made the semi finals on that occasion.
They are also 180 minutes away from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
At the ongoing 2025 AFCON, they have amassed four points which has already practically guaranteed them a round of 16 place.
On this occasion, they took the lead through Cedric Bakambu. They also forced Senegal back for much of the game. However, Sadio Mane restored parity for the Lions of Teranga. In the end, all teams settled for the point.
Both sides will now be eyeing wins against Benin and Botswana in the last group game.
Benin’s win over Botswana on Sunday effectively made them the first team to be eliminated from the ongoing 2025 AFCON.
A goal by Yohan Roche in the 26th minute was enough to give Benin all the three points. Botswana already lost their opening game of the tournament 3-0 to Senegal.
This now means their last game against DR Congo will be dead-rubber from their perspective.
However, for Congo, it will be a chance to secure first place finish. It will not be easy, considering Senegal and Benin will also be eyeing the chance to secure first place.
With qualification battles heating up and early exits already confirmed, The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is beginning to separate true contenders from pretenders.
