The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 entered day 2 with high drama on Monday, as last-gasp heroics from continental superstars Mohamed Salah and Patson Daka headlined a thrilling opening day in Groups A and B.
Mohamed Salah delivered a captain’s performance, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to rescue Egypt from a shocking upset against Zimbabwe, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
Despite overwhelming possession, the seven-time champions were stunned when Zimbabwe’s Prince Dube finished a superb counter-attack in the 20th minute. The underdogs’ resilient defence held firm until Egypt’s pressure finally told. Omar Marmoush ignited the comeback with a powerful equalizer in the 63rd minute, setting the stage for Salah’s late magic. The Liverpool star struck in added time to complete the turnaround, sparing Egypt’s blushes and securing three crucial points.
In the other Group B clash, South Africa began their campaign with with 2-1 win over Angola in an end-to-end encounter at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
Oswin Appollis gave Hugo Broos’ side a perfect start, scoring in the 17th minute after a clever piece of individual skill in the box. Angola responded strongly, dominating possession and equalizing before halftime through Show’s clever flick from a Fredy free-kick. The second half saw chances at both ends, but South Africa showed resilience to claim a vital opening victory.
In Group A, Patson Daka broke Malian hearts with a towering stoppage-time header to snatch a 1-1 draw for Zambia against Mali.
Mali had controlled large portions of the match and took a deserved lead in the second half through a well-worked team goal, seemingly on course for a winning start. However, in a frantic final moment, Daka rose highest to connect with a cross, powering the ball home to ensure the points were shared in a tense opener.
