The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 continues to deliver drama, fine margins, and standout individual performances, with Day 5 offering a perfect snapshot of everything that makes the tournament unmissable.
The latest round of fixtures left plenty to dissect as the group stage edges closer to its decisive phase.
Here are 5 things we learnt about day 5 action:
As expected, the Egypt-South Africa clash in group B of the ongoing 2025 AFCON was determined by the tightest of margins.
Both sides were taking each other at the AFCON stage for the first time since 2019, when a Thembinkosi Lorch-inspired South Africa stunned the Pharaohs in Cairo.
Egypt started by imposing themselves on the opposition, dominating the possession. After huffing and puffing, they won a penalty albeit controversially. Khuliso Mudau swang his left arm onto Mohamed Salah’s face inside the box when defending.
After VAR review, a penalty was awarded in Egypt’s favor. Salah confidently struck the ball into the back of the net. However, just moments later, South Africa would have a VAR decision in their favor.
Mohamed Hany carelessly clattered onto Oswin Appolis, and after the referee initially never booked him a second time, VAR’s intervention made him reconsider his decision. Hany would be sent off for a second bookable offence.
Egypt had to hang on for dear life for the remainder of the match. As the game was reaching its climax, another VAR decision rescued them.
Defending their box with determination, Yasser Ibrahim’s hand made contact with the ball while attempting a sliding block to deny a shot by South Africa inside the box.
It looked like a penalty would be awarded upon review, but the referee stuck by his original decision, much to Bafana Bafana’s frustration.
In the end, Egypt got all three points. South Africa must now beat Zimbabwe to stand a chance of making the Round of 16.
Comoros played Zambia on Friday night hoping to make amends for their opening loss to Morocco last Sunday.
Many fancied Chipolopolo to easily win the game, having managed to salvage a draw against Mali. However, the result was shocking to say the least. Comoros held their own throughout. They even scored a sublime goal during the first half that was agonisingly ruled out for offside.
They displayed very good technical attributes, with their composure on the ball a proper underpin.
This now means they have collected one point, but if their display against Zambia is anything to go by, they may shock Mali in the final game of the campaign with alot to play for heading into the final fixture.
Mo Salah joined up with his international colleagues for AFCON duty at a pivotal point of his career. After struggling for form at Liverpool, he found himself dropped from the starting line up in November.
He failed to make an appearance during their 3-3 draw against Leeds, which prompted Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher to call him out on Sky Sports, days after Salah made a public outrage in front of the media.
This prompted Arne Slot to drop him from the squad before a crucial clash against Inter Milan. However, he returned to the squad against West Ham, and even grabbed himself an assist.
Despite this, he went to AFCON with his future at Liverpool still uncertain. It looks as though completely focusing on his duties for Egypt is reaping reward. He now has two goals in his first two AFCON 2025 appearances.
Maybe, a change in environment has enabled him to work his way back into form.
It takes a level of ability to be able to play for Real Madrid. Brahim Diaz has showed that in his first AFCON tournament representing Morocco.
Diaz’s speed, ball carrying ability, dribbling and eye for goal has made him a key pillar for the side.
He has now scored two goals, including an absolute beauty during the first game against Comoros.
He registered two shots on target, two key passes, and even won a penalty. Against Mali, he was a constant pain in the neck of Yvess Bissouma in that attacking midfield role. He slotted home Morocco’s penalty in an eventual 1-1 draw.
For a long time, Morocco have struggled to unlock low block teams, but Diaz may finally be the key to breaking this duck.
Despite taking the lead against Mali, the Atlas Lions really had to labor hard to settle for a draw in their second AFCON 2025 clash. Morocco had been on a consistent unbeaten streak since March 2024. Mali came close to breaking that duck.
After adopting a conservative approach in the first half, Mali decided to be braver in the second half. This approach enabled them to find a way back into the game. They constantly flooded men forward. It forced Morocco to defend like their lives depended on it.
However, they did create chances of their own, and in the end, the 1-1 draw was probably a fair result.
Morocco know they now must upset Zambia by any means necessary in their final game of the group stage to secure a first place finish.
