2025 AFCONQ: Morocco and Egypt shine as Cote d’Ivoire begin strongly

Morocco, Egypt, and Cote d’Ivoire impressed in the opening round of their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers, securing decisive victories on Friday night.

Morocco dominated Gabon, Egypt defeated Cape Verde, and reigning champions Cote d’Ivoire kicked off with a win over Zambia.

Elsewhere, Senegal were held to a draw by Burkina Faso, and Mali shared the spoils with Mozambique.

Morocco 4-1 Gabon – Goals: H. Ziyech (10′ pen, 25′ pen), B. Diaz (59′), A. Kaabi (82′) for Morocco / P. Aubameyang (45+1′ pen) for Gabon

Morocco’s clash with Gabon delivered an unusual first half, marked by four penalties, three of which were converted. Hakim Ziyech opened the scoring with a penalty in the 10th minute after Abde Ezzalzouli was brought down in the box. Gabon had a chance to equalize when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang earned a penalty in the 16th minute following a handball by Abdelkabir Abqar, but the striker hit the post. Minutes later, Ziyech doubled Morocco’s lead with another penalty after Sofiane Rahimi was fouled in the area. Gabon were awarded a second penalty just before halftime, with Aubameyang converting this time to make it 2-1.

The second half saw Morocco take full control, with Brahim Diaz scoring his first goal for the national team in the 59th minute, followed by substitute Ayoub Kaabi adding a fourth in the 82nd minute, securing a comfortable 4-1 victory for the Atlas Lions.

Egypt 3-0 Cape Verde – Goals: R. Rabia (22′), M. Marmoush (45+1′), I. Adel (70′)

Egypt began their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Cape Verde. Rami Rabia headed home the opening goal in the 22nd minute from a corner. Just before halftime, Mostafa Marmoush doubled the Pharaohs’ lead after a breakaway goal, finishing calmly past the Cape Verde goalkeeper. Substitute Ibrahim Adel rounded off the win in the 70th minute, firing into the net after a rebound from the goalkeeper’s save, sealing a confident victory for Egypt.

Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 Zambia – Goals: J. Krasso (73′, 84′)

Cote d’Ivoire started their title defense in style with a 2-0 victory over Zambia. After a goalless first half, Jean-Philippe Krasso broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, before adding his second just 11 minutes later to secure all three points for the defending champions. The result gives Cote d’Ivoire a solid foundation as they aim to retain their Africa Cup of Nations title.

Senegal 1-1 Burkina Faso – Goals: S. Mané (16′) for Senegal / O. Bouda (90+5′) for Burkina Faso

Senegal were denied victory by a stoppage-time equalizer from Burkina Faso in a thrilling 1-1 draw. Sadio Mané gave the Teranga Lions the lead in the 16th minute with a composed finish, and Senegal seemed set for victory until Ousseni Bouda’s last-gasp strike in the 95th minute salvaged a point for Burkina Faso.

Mali 1-1 Mozambique – Goals: G. Catamo (37′) for Mozambique / Y. Bissouma (52′) for Mali

Mozambique earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mali. Geny Catamo opened the scoring for the visitors in the 37th minute, putting Mali under pressure. However, Mali responded in the second half when captain Yves Bissouma equalized in the 52nd minute, ensuring the spoils were shared in an intense contest.