AFCON 2025 Day 6 Timetable: Key Group C and D Clashes as African Giants Chase Knockout Berths

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is now entering a pivotal stage today, Saturday, December 27, following a dramatic ‘Boxing Day’ that saw Egypt become the first team to secure a spot in the knockout rounds thanks to a Mohamed Salah penalty.

Now, the focus shifts to Groups C and D. Today’s four-match lineup promises high-stakes drama as heavyweights look to solidify their standings and underdogs fight for survival.

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The day kicks off in Rabat at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah with a high-stakes encounter between Benin and Botswana.

Both teams are searching for their first points of the tournament after opening-day defeats. Benin, led by Gernot Rohr, showed flashes of resilience in their narrow 1-0 loss to DR Congo, but are now desperate to end a long winless drought at the AFCON finals.

On the other side, Botswana’s ‘Zebras’ are reeling from a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Senegal. While their goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko, made a record-breaking 14 saves in that match, the team failed to register a single shot on target.

For both nations, a loss today would almost certainly signal an early exit, making this a do-or-die fixture from the first whistle.

The afternoon spotlight moves to Tangier, where the Teranga Lions of Senegal take on the Leopards of DR Congo. This is arguably the match of the day.

Senegal, the 2021 champions and one of the tournament favourites, began their campaign with a dominant win over Botswana, powered by a brace from Nicolas Jackson.

However, DR Congo arrives with significant momentum. The Leopards are fresh off a disciplined 1-0 victory over Benin and possess a physical style that has troubled Senegal in the past.

These two recently met in World Cup qualifying, where Senegal had to come from 2-0 down to win 3-2. With both teams sitting on three points, the winner of this match will officially secure a place in the Round of 16.

As evening falls in Rabat, regional pride takes centre stage in Group C. Uganda and Tanzania, neighbours and future co-hosts of the 2027 edition, face off in a deeply personal match.

Both sides are looking for redemption after losing their openers. Uganda fell 3-1 to Tunisia, while Tanzania suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Nigeria.

Uganda's coach, Paul Put, will lean on the inside knowledge of stars like Khalid Aucho, who plays his club football in the Tanzanian league.

Tanzania, led by Mbwana Samatta, will be eager to prove they can compete with the continent's elite after a spirited but ultimately fruitless performance against the Super Eagles.

The day concludes in Fez with a marquee showdown between Nigeria and Tunisia. Both the Super Eagles and the Carthage Eagles won their opening matches, meaning this encounter will likely decide who wins Group C.

Nigeria relied on goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman to edge past Tanzania, though fans are still waiting for talisman Victor Osimhen to find the back of the net.

Tunisia, however, appeared to be one of the most balanced teams in the first round, dismantling Uganda 3-1. Known for their tactical discipline and defence, they will provide the ultimate test for Nigeria's star-studded attack.

A victory for either side here would not only seal qualification but also send a powerful message to the rest of the contenders in Morocco.