AFCON Morocco 2025: Mali and Zambia Draw as Salah’s Egypt Gears Up for Opening Clash Against Zimbabwe

The 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco kicked off with high drama. At Casablanca’s Mohammed V Stadium, Mali and Zambia shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw; Lassine Sinayoko opened the scoring for Mali (61'), only for Patson Daka to secure a last-minute equalizer for Zambia (90+2').

Tonight, the spotlight shifts to Agadir, where Egypt, led by coach Hossam Hassan and global icon Mohamed Salah, begins its quest to reclaim the continental crown against Zimbabwe. This follows the Group B fixture between South Africa and Angola in Marrakech.

Held during a unique winter window due to FIFA calendar shifts, this tournament features elite talents like Achraf Hakimi and Riyad Mahrez, and marks the debut of Luca Zidane with Algeria. After Morocco's opening 2-0 win over Comoros, the 24-team competition continues to showcase African football's immense evolution until January 18th.