AFCON 2025 Day 5 Timetable: Blockbuster Clashes Await as Group Battles Intensify

AFCON 2025 Day 5 promises a series of high-pressure matches as teams battle for early momentum and qualification in the group stages.

As the holiday celebrations continue across the continent, the focus of the sporting world shifts back to North Africa for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

Friday, December 26, 2025, marks the fifth day of the 35th edition of AFCON in Morocco. Following a brief pause for the Christmas holiday, the competition resumes with a high-stakes quadruple-header.

Today’s schedule focuses on the second round of matches for Groups A and B, where the results could potentially produce the first team to officially qualify for the knockout stages.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

AFCON 2025: Angola vs. Zimbabwe

The opening match of the day takes place at the Marrakesh Stadium at 12:30 GMT. This Southern African derby is a desperate affair for both sides, as Angola and Zimbabwe are currently sitting at the bottom of Group B following narrow 2-1 losses in their opening fixtures.

Zimbabwe showed flashes of brilliance against Egypt, but their defensive lapses proved costly. Angola, known for their physical resilience, must find more creativity in the final third if they are to keep their tournament hopes alive.

For both nations, a loss today would likely mean an early flight home, making this a do-or-die encounter from the opening whistle.

AFCON 2025: Egypt vs. South Africa

At 15:00 GMT, the Adrar Stadium in Agadir will host a heavyweight clash that many are calling the match of the group stages.

The record-holding Pharaohs of Egypt face off against a rejuvenated Bafana Bafana of South Africa. Egypt relied on a late moment of magic from Mohamed Salah to secure three points in their first game, while South Africa looked exceptionally polished in their victory over Angola.

Historical data suggests this will be a tactical chess match as South Africa famously eliminated Egypt on their own soil in 2019, and the Pharaohs will be eager to prove that they are still the dominant force in African football. A victory for either side would almost certainly guarantee a place in the Round of 16.

AFCON 2025: Zambia vs. Comoros

The action moves to Casablanca at 17:30 GMT as Zambia looks to capitalise on their solid start. After earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a powerful Mali side, the Chipolopolo are favourites to take all three points against Comoros.

However, Comoros is a side that thrives on the underdog label. Despite a 2-0 loss to the hosts in their opener, they remained compact and difficult to break down for much of that match.

Zambia will rely on the pace of Patson Daka to stretch the Comorian defence, knowing that a win here would put them in a fantastic position heading into the final matchday of Group A.

AFCON 2025: Morocco vs. Mali

The day’s festivities conclude at 20:00 GMT in Rabat, where the host nation, Morocco, returns to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The Atlas Lions were clinical in their opening match, buoyed by a home crowd that has turned every stadium into a wall of red and green. Their opponents, Mali, represent perhaps the toughest physical challenge in the group.

The Eagles are technically gifted and possess a midfield that can dominate possession against even the best teams.

If Morocco can navigate this difficult test and secure a second victory, they will become the first nation to officially punch their ticket to the knockout rounds, sparking what is sure to be a massive celebration across the country.